Multi-talented Tony Geerts has been hailed as “a unique giant” of Sussex schools football.

The former secretary, chairman and president of the county’s schools FA has died, aged 92.

He will be remembered with particular affection by past players and officials of Brighton Boys, for whom he filled a variety of roles.

Geerts, a retired head teacher, was involved in junior football in the county for more than 60 years. He also contributed reports to the Evening Argus, Albion’s match programme and local radio.

Tim Herbert, who runs Brighton Schools under-11s, said: “So many of the boys’ dads still talk about Tony. He used to look after them as young players and they are in their 30s and 40s now.”

Mid Sussex schools stalwart Pete Chisholm, a good friend of Geerts, described him as the lifeblood of schools’ football in Sussex.

He added: “A unique giant of a schools’ football man is mourned and will be sadly missed.

“Tony kept Sussex going. He had an unrivalled career of voluntary service in local football.”

Geerts leaves Joan, his wife of 64 years, children Michael and Jane, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He will be remembered in a service at Downs Crematorium, Brighton, next Thursday (December 4, 10am).