The FAW McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards celebrate the hard work of the unsung heroes across Wales who dedicate their time towards grassroots football and embody the FAW’s key values of family, excellence and respect as they make football enjoyable and accessible for all.
The awards recognise and celebrate the people who make a positive difference within our communities, showing the true power of football in connecting people and inspiring others, enabling people to play and enjoy football.
Find out all of the 2026 winners below.
Club of the Year – Red Lion Boys and Girls Club
Red Lion Boys and Girls Club is a thriving, community-focused grassroots football club that has grown significantly since being restructured by the current committee seven years ago.
Founded in 2011, the club now supports more than 400–450 boys and girls across every junior age group, alongside a rapidly expanding girls’ programme that continues to increase opportunities and participation for young female players in the local community.
Beyond football, the club is heavily committed to inclusion and community wellbeing. It has partnered with Spectrum to deliver dedicated football sessions for children with additional learning needs (ALN), withdemand already exceeding capacity and over 100 children on the waiting list. The club is also preparing to expand into disability football through work with a local community hub.
Red Lion Boys and Girls Club has invested heavily in improving local facilities, including maintaining two home pitches at The Moddys and upgrading facilities at Pentrebach through grant funding, making the changing rooms modern and women-friendly.
The club also plays a major role in supporting mental health awareness within the community. Working alongside Signposted Cymru and the family of the late Alex Meek, whose legacy continues to inspire theclub, members have raised over £60,000 to support local mental health initiatives and established a dedicated mental health hub. With more than 30 qualified coaches and volunteers, and progression from Bronze to Platinum accreditation, Red Lion Boys and Girls Club has become a model grassroots club that combines sporting success with inclusion, community development and wellbeing support.
Coach of the Year – Janet Almond-Wood
Janet is an inspirational and dedicated coach who has become a hugely valued role model and mentor for her U12 girls’ team. Described by players and parents as a “second Mum,” she consistently goes above and beyond to create a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where every girl feels valued, encouraged and able to thrive both on and off the pitch.
Janet is passionate about keeping girls involved in sport and works tirelessly to make football more inclusive and accessible. She actively researches topics such as hormones and girls in sport to better support her players and even ensures practical needs are met at away games by bringing extra supplies and facilities when required. Her focus is always on enjoyment, confidence and personal developmentrather than simply winning, while still helping the team achieve a highly successful season.
She is praised for treating every player equally, ensuring all abilities receive game time and opportunities todevelop. Beyond coaching, Jan organises matches, tours, presentations and team events, while alsosupporting parents and helping girls navigate the challenges of pre-teen life. Her kindness, leadership, patience and dedication have earned the admiration and respect of players, parents and the wider community, making her a truly deserving candidate for recognition.
Volunteer of the Year – Victoria Hiller
Victoria (Tory) is the heartbeat of New Inn Juniors AFC and an outstanding example of what grassroots volunteering should be. For over ten years she has dedicated countless hours to ensuring every child inour community has access to safe, welcoming, and inclusive football.
Tory supports more than 25 coaches, manages club operations, handles safeguarding queries, oversees pitch bookings, communicates with parents, and keeps every age group running smoothly. She is attraining venues most nights, offering reassurance to famili es, helping new players settle in, and providing practical support wherever it’s needed.
Her leadership in funding and grants has removed financial barriers for many families, allowing the club to subsidise costs, invest in equipment, and ensure no child is ever turned away. She champions inclusion, particularly for girls and players with additional needs, and believes deeply in football’s power to build confidence, friendships, and life skills.
Tory never seeks recognition, yet her impact is felt in every corner of the club. Without her, New Inn Juniorssimply wouldn’t function. She embodies family, excellence, and respect and is truly deserving of Volunteer of the Year.
Young Volunteer of the Year – Ioan Walters
Ioan Walters is an exceptional young volunteer whose commitment, compassion, and leadership far exceed his years. At just 14 years old, he has already made a significant and lasting impact within his local sporting community.
Ioan is an Under-9s boys’ football coach, dedicating his time to supporting and developing young playerswith enthusiasm, patience, and positivity. He is a fantastic role model, creating an inclusive and encouraging environment where every child feels valued and supported. His passion for the game and for helping others shines through in everything he does.
Going above and beyond, Ioan has independently organised trips for his team to the Cardiff City Stadium—creating unforgettable experiences for the children he coaches. He has also personally funded water bottles for every player, ensuring all children feel part of the team regardless of their circumstances.
In addition to his coaching, Ioan is a Youth Ambassador for the Football Association of Wales, where hechampions equality and inclusivity in sport. He actively promotes opportunities for all, particularly within grassroots and girls’ football.
Ioan also volunteers his time and talent as a photographer, designer, and social media lead. He produces matchday programmes for the Gwent County Girls League Cup Finals and for Wattsville Seniors’ home matches— work that requires creativity, organisation, and professionalism well beyond his age. He also provides high-quality photography free of charge for the Gwent County Girls League and supports numerous charity events.
Through his own photography and design business—remarkable for someone so young—Ioan reinvests his earnings back into his club and local community, demonstrating genuine generosity and social responsibility.
Alongside all of this, Ioan is also a young carer for his mother, showing maturity, resilience, and kindness in his personal life as well as in his volunteering. Ioan is an outstanding example of what it means to give back to the community. His dedication, selflessness, and passion for sport make him a truly deserving candidate for Young Sporting Volunteer of the Year.
Fun Football Provider of the Year – Llanelli Town Council
This nomination supports Llanelli Town Council Fun Football Provider of the Year in recognition of their outstanding delivery of the FAW McDonald’s Fun Football programme.
Through these sessions, young girls from refugee and migrant communities across Llanelli are provided with inclusive, welcoming opportunities to enjoy football. The programme removes barriers to participation, helping children of all backgrounds and abilities build confidence, make friends, and develop a love for the game in a safe and supportive environment.
A standout moment was the unforgettable opportunity for participants to walk out at Stebonheath Park alongside the Cymru women’s U19s against Serbia, inspiring pride and a lasting connection to football.
The McDonald’s Fun Football sessions consistently engage participants each week, exemplifying grassroots football through inclusion, opportunity, and passion.
Match Official of the Year – Rubie Bennett
From their very first match they officiated, they have constantly demonstrated professionalism, integrity andan unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. Quite simply they have been one of the fairest and most reliable referees throughout the season, showing excellent judgement and a deep understandingof the game.
What really sets them apart is the way they manage matches. They carry themselves with a level of confidence and maturity well beyond their years, creating a calm and controlled environment on the pitch. Even in the face of on-field criticism, they remain composed and proactive – often taking the time to explaintheir decisions to young players in a respectful and constructive manner.
This approach doesn’t just help the game to run smoothly, it actively supports player development and reinforces respect for referees and the laws of the game.
Their communication skills, consistency and composure under pressure ensure that players, coaches andspectators alike can enjoy the game in a positive environment. It’s clear that they take great pride in their role and are genuinely committed to improving both themselves and the experience for everyone involved.
They are an outstanding ambassador for junior refereeing in Wales and thoroughly deserving of this award.
Special Recognition Award – Ian Eynon
This nomination recognises the outstanding dedication and impact of Ian Eynon of Clarbeston Road, whose work has transformed disability football across Pembrokeshire and West Wales. Ian single-handedly established the disability section of Clarbeston Warriors and has been a driving force for inclusion, opportunity, and equality in the game for over 25 years.
Through unwavering commitment, he has overcome challenges such as limited funding, lack of support, and his own hip replacement to deliver life-changing opportunities for others. His creation of the West Wales Pan Disability League provides a structured, inclusive environment where players of all abilities canparticipate, compete, and thrive—opening doors for thousands who otherwise would have had no access to football.
Ian’s influence goes beyond the pitch, building confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging for countless individuals and families. Approaching his later years, he has decided to step back at the end of this season, leaving a remarkable legacy.
League of the Year – South Wales Women’s and Girls’ League
South Wales Women’s and Girls League is widely recognised as a driving force behind the growth anddevelopment of girls’ and women’s football in Wales. Through the dedication of a passionate volunteer committee, the league continues to expand participation at an exceptional rate while creating a supportive,inclusive and accessible environment for players, clubs and volunteers.
The league is praised for the outstanding support it provides both on and off the pitch, particularly in helping players rebuild confidence after negative experiences elsewhere and encouraging them to remaininvolved in football. Clubs and managers consistently describe the committee, including secretary Gail, as approachable, responsive and invaluable in supporting teams throughout their journeys in the women’s game.
SWWGL is also committed to ensuring football remains affordable and accessible by keeping hub costs low and structuring divisions by ability level to provide appropriate development opportunities for every player. The league goes beyond traditional competition through initiatives such as live-streaming fixtures and cup finals, with revenue reinvested into development programmes including free winter sessions for younger age groups.
Restaurant of the Year – Flint #773
