Tributes have been paid to an 'incredible' teacher and coach who inspired thousands of talented young sports people, including Olympians, professional footballers and international sports stars.

Glenn Colmer, Itchen Sixth Form College's Director of Curriculum for Sport and Protective Services, has died aged 51.

A former student, who lived with his family in Bitterne, Glenn had been at Itchen for more than 20 years and transformed the college's sports academy, making it one of the very best around and attracting students from all over the country.

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Among those he helped on the way to sporting success were ex-Saints defender Aaron Martin, Olympic marathon runner Mahamed Mahamed, boxing champion Ryan Garner and NBA basketballer Jeremy Sochan. 

Olympic gymnast Kelly Simm was among dozens of people paying tribute to the highly regarded father-of-two.

She said: "Heartbreaking. So grateful for Glenn's support during my time at Itchen and beyond. What an incredible legacy. You will be massively missed."

Reacting to posts by devastated colleagues, former students and parents described Glenn as 'an incredible teacher', 'an absolute gent', 'legend, leader and mentor' and 'Mr Motivator'.

They described his infectious enthusiasm, said 'he made Itchen Sport great' and continued 'Glenn was Itchen College'.

Further tributes said Glenn was 'a true champion and figure head' and thanked him for inspiring them, as well as describing him as 'genuine and down to earth'.

Students said Glenn 'always made lessons enjoyable and always got the best out of his players'. They posted that he was 'such a great guy to talk to' and 'always helped students when he could'.

Glenn, who suffered a brain tumour, leaves his wife Ali and teenage children Grace, who is studying at Bournemouth University, and Itchen College student Joe, a promising golfer. 

His funeral will be held on Friday, March 28 at the East Chapel of Southampton Crematorium with the wake at Southampton Municipal Golf Course. All who knew and loved Glenn are welcome to attend.

The funeral procession will pass the college's campus on Middle Road on the way to the Crematorium, giving members of the Itchen community the opportunity to pay their respects.