If there was award for Mr Bettws, the bookmakers would ban any bets.

For Nobby Woodcock scooping the accolade would be a foregone conclusion.

The original Mr Bettws picked up the inaugural Sport's Unsung Hero Award at the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year Awards on Monday.

It came after years of tireless energy and enthusiasm for his beloved football club, Real Bettws, where he has nurtured youngsters for the last 13 years.

On getting his award, Woodcock was taken completely aback.

He said: "It was out of this world. I just couldn't believe it, it honestly left me speechless.

"It was such an excellent night, a real chance of a lifetime and it was some experience to see all of those great stars like Welsh manager Mark Hughes, cyclist Nicole Cooke and Swansea boss Brian Flynn.

"I even managed to speak to Mark Hughes when he gave me his autograph. My only disappointment was that John Hartson wasn't there, but I met his father and he promised to get me his autograph!"

The award was thanks for years influencing the lives of youngsters on the Newport estate and providing coaching - and not just on the football field.

He said: "What really makes it worthwhile is the children learn a lot about discipline as well as enjoying themselves and hopefully then grow up to be good citizens and good parents."

Real Bettws' beginnings give an idea of the ethos behind the club.

"At that time (13 years ago), Albion Rovers had started up a boys club and had 30 boys all competing for one team. They decided to keep 16 boys and told the other 14 to go.

"I started to complain but instead of complaining any more to them, I took the 14 boys on and became manager."

From the scrapheap, Woodcock took the team and, despite tough times - his side won only five games in almost five years - there are now eight teams at under-six to under-18 level.

New changing rooms were built in Woodcock's honour after the community raised an astonishing £428,000 and, with the BBC award, Woodcock's place in the community is assured.

But the man is more inclined to give recognition to others.

"There's a lot of people who do so much for Bettws and this award is for everyone," he insisted.

"People say I've done a lot for Bettws, but Bettws has done a lot for me and for us to win this award is a tremendous achievement and I is great for Bettws as a whole."

The best way to describe Woodcock comes from Colin Baker, the man that nominated Woodcock for his award, who said Mr Bettws is "priceless."