FAW McDonald’s Grassroots Awards: Regional winners announced

McDonald’s Grassroots Awards regional winners have been rewarded across Wales throughout June and July ahead of September’s National Ceremony.

The 2025 FAW McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards recognise and celebrate the hard work of the unsung heroes across Wales who dedicate their time to supporting grassroots football and making a positive difference within their communities, showing the true power of football in connecting people and inspiring others.

Six regional ceremonies recognised the dedication and achievements of people across Gwent, South Wales, West Wales, Central Wales, North East Wales and North Wales Coast. Regional awards were handed out across eight categories: Community Club of the Year, Community Coach of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Young Volunteer of the Year, Fun Football Provider of the Year, Grassroots Match Official of the Year, Special Recognition Award, and the Together Stronger Award.

The 2025 FAW McDonald’s Grassroots Awards regional winners are:

Community Club of the Year

Community Club of the Year is an award for FAW Accredited and Affiliated clubs that deserve special recognition for the work they do. Clubs are a focal part of communities across Wales and this award recognises active, successful and well-run football clubs which retain and attract participants and volunteers.

• AFC Abercynon (South Wales)
• Burry Port AFC Ladies (West Wales)
• Caersws Football Club (Central Wales)
• Graig Villa Dino (Gwent)
• Hawarden Park (North East Wales)
• Penmaenmawr Phoenix (North Wales Coast)

Community Coach of the Year

This award recognises the outstanding contribution of a coach at a grassroots club or Fun Football Centre. Having a minimum qualification of the FAW Football Leaders Award, this coach goes above and beyond what is expected of them.

• Alex Jones (West Wales)
• Ashley Bird (Gwent)
• Gary Done (North East Wales)
• James Hickman (North Wales Coast)
• Neil Yapp (Central Wales)
• Nick Collins (South Wales)

Volunteer of the Year

Volunteer of the Year recognises the dedicated volunteers who make grassroots football happen. These individuals work hard to complete all the off-pitch jobs that are essential to keep our game going whilst providing opportunities for their local communities. 

• Catryn Horwood (Central Wales)
• Chris Marsden (South Wales)
• Natalie Thomas (North Wales Coast)
• Nazrul Islam (Gwent)
• Sarah Tucker (West Wales)
• Sian Bland (North East Wales)

Young Volunteer of the Year

This award recognises an individual, aged 21 and younger, that is dedicated to helping make grassroots football enjoyable for everyone. 

• Cameron Cullen (Gwent)
• Harrison Bridgwater (Central Wales)
• Katie Roberts (North Wales Coast)
• Lily Mayne (South Wales)
• Luke Saunders (North East Wales)
• Phoebe Atherly (North Wales Coast)
• Tilly Doran (West Wales)

Fun Football Provider of the Year

This award is for a McDonald’s Fun Football provider that organises the best ‘turn up and play’ sessions in Wales and has had a significant impact on football participation. 

• Bala Town (North East Wales)
• Bengal Dragons Foundation (South Wales)
• Graig Villa Dino (Gwent)
• Llanelli Town Council (West Wales)
• Penmaenmawr Phoenix (North Wales Coast)
• The New Saints FC (Central Wales)

Grassroots Match Official of the Year

This award highlights a Match Official who has shown commitment to grassroots football and supports the delivery of the game at any level of Welsh football. Winners of this award advocate the FAW’s key values of Excellence, Family & Respect at all times. 

• Chris Stapleton (West Wales)
• Cian Owen (North Wales Coast)
• Iwan Phillips (North East Wales)
• Josh Roper (Central Wales)
• Paul Fisher (South Wales)
• Phillip Bates (Gwent)

Special Recognition Award

This award recognises an individual who has shown dedication and commitment to grassroots football for many years. This individual is a role model within their local community and continues to provide opportunities for all through their work with a club or league.

• Brian Purcell (North East Wales)
• Chris Davies (North Wales Coast)
• Darren Thomas Murphy (South Wales)
• Jeff Munn (Gwent)
• Ken Wright (West Wales)
• Tom Parry Edwards (Central Wales)

Together Stronger Award

This award recognises individuals, clubs, groups or leagues that use football as a vehicle to support economic, social, environmental and/or cultural well-being, contributing towards making Cymru a better place for its people, now and in the future.

• Bengal Dragons Foundation (Gwent)
• Broadlands AFC (South Wales)
• Claire Coville (North Wales Coast)
• Karl Wigley (Central Wales)
• Marc Copeland (West Wales)

Rebecca Osland, Senior Participation and Partnerships Manager at the Football Association of Wales, said: “Congratulations to all our FAW McDonald’s Grassroots regional award winners. Grassroots clubs and volunteers are hugely important to Welsh football, so it is amazing to see our winners receive the recognition they deserve for the passion, dedication and commitment they have for supporting their communities.”

The regional winners in each category will now be shortlisted for the national prize in their respective categories, with national winners to be crowned at a ceremony in Cardiff on Friday, 19 September.