Les Shaw – Our Founder
9th June 1947 – 16th December 2020.

Les Shaw – our founder, leader, mentor and dear friend is who we all thank for the amazing experience that many fortunate young Cornish footballers have enjoyed and continue to enjoy through being involved in this tour

A keen sportsman himself and with many years of experience as a player, Les undertook coaching duties at Alverton Youth once his playing days were over. In 1989 he took a squad from Alverton to a football tournament in Germany and from then on the tour has grown and become a integral part of Cornish youth football lore

Apart from a temporary hiatus due to the Covid 19 pandemic which unfortunately prevented the 2020 and 2021 tours going ahead the tour is a fixture on the calendar that has been enjoyed by thousands of aspiring Cornish footballers and carefully selected coaches who have been given the opportunity to participate at the tournaments in Germany and Holland and stay at the hostel in our German home Bad Bentheim

All of this is possible due to Les forging lasting friendships with our colleagues in Germany and Holland and for his love of football. Les provided the opportunity for young footballers to represent their County for more than 20 years – spending weekends with his team of coaches watching match after match across the County to find players with not only ability but brilliant attitude and passion for the game. To receive an invite to the tour is an achievement to be proud of. Over the years some have enjoyed victory on the pitch and some have not, however they will all have an experience that is special and friendships built that are unique to those who are part of the Kernow Youth Select family

For all who have participated on the tour I am sure everyone will have special memories of time spent with Les from the wonderful opportunity he gave us and the trust he placed in us to support Cornish youth football over the years

Les has been influential and an inspiration to others who leaves a legacy and a place in our history that is secure. We have the responsibility to carry that forward in his honour and we will do so for many years to come.