AN inspirational football coach has been recognised for his work to improve the lives of people with drug and alcohol problems.

Colm Whitty has won the Tony Adams Award for his 'outstanding' efforts in setting up and running the Redbridge-based Air Football programme - which offers coaching for young people with substance misuse and mental health problems.

The scheme, which is based at Power League, in Fairlop - and is also now run in other parts of London - offers participants advice on housing, youth offending, domestic violence and unemployment and holds regular awards days and friendly matches involving celebrity footballers.

Mr Whitty was handed the award by Mr Adams before the England vs Mexico international at Wembley Stadium on Monday evening.

The former England and Arsenal captain - who set up the award through his Sporting Chance charity - said: "We've worked with The FA for several years in highlighting the need for awareness in mental health and I truly believe that sport and football can be a gateway or conduit in enabling people to strive for more in their own lives."

An FA spokesman said: "The FA has formed a Mental Health Advisory Group which will oversee football's commitment in this area while the Premier League's Imagine Your Goals campaign is raising awareness across the country."

Other winners of the award were Rob Thomas of The Everton Foundation and Steven Bell of the Bucks Early Intervention.