Michelle Weeks, 26, used to play for, and coach, Pompey Ladies. She died from natural causes.

She had also taught football to children every Thursday at Highbury Primary School, in Cosham, Portsmouth.

Her death last December left many at the school saddened.

But warm memories of her fun coaching inspired the pupils to raise funds for a memorial bench in her name through a football-themed fund-raising day.

Last Saturday the bench was unveiled. It looks out over the school's playing fields where she used to coach.

Pupil Megan Cameron, seven, who first came up with the idea of fund-raising day, read out a tribute during the ceremony.

She said: 'When I first met Michelle I thought she looked skillful and full of fun. Michelle made football fun for all who played and she had time for everyone to show their skills.

'The saddest thing about her early passing was that she was not able to see the great success of Pompey winning the FA Cup. Michelle will be sadly missed by all who knew her and especially by me and my family.

'That is why I decided to raise the money for a bench, which is why we are here today. We will always remember you Michelle.'

Megan's mum, Sara Abraham, 25, of Stamshaw Road, Portsmouth, said: 'There was a good atmosphere and Megan was okay when she read her poem. But when Michelle's nan came over to speak to her she burst in tears because it got so emotional.'

Head teacher Diana Morrell-Glenister said: 'There was a mix of emotions. Megan was remembering someone who was her hero. It was the fruition of her hope for a memorial for Michelle, which she planned very well.

'A lot of Michelle's family was there and for them there were raw emotions too.'

'I felt very proud of the children and the school.

'It was something very selfless that they did.'

Miss Morrell-Glenister said the school raised nearly £500 for the bench and used the cash left over to buy some football posts and a trophy, named after Michelle, to be given to the best football player in the school at a presentation later this month.

sion.donovan@thenews.co.uk