The FAThe heroes of Welsh grassroots football were honoured at the 2024 FAW McDonald’s Grassroot Football Awards ceremony.
Deserving volunteers from across the country were given awards for their contribution to grassroots football in Wales.
Coity Chiefs Girls Football Club were awarded Community Club of the Year for the significant strides they’re making towards expanding football opportunities for girls in the Bridgend area. The girls only club provides a safe space for girls to thrive in football while promoting self-confidence, healthy attitudes, and friendships.
Felinfach FC coach Gethin Thomas won Community Coach of the Year for his dedication to junior football. Having been involved in junior football for over 10 years, Gethin has coached all age groups and introduced girls’ junior football to Felinfach FC and his former club, Ffostrasol FC.
Volunteer of the Year was awarded to David Parry who is the Treasurer at Rhos Aelwyd FC and has been involved with the club for over 50 years. David is well respected for his tireless work and commitment to the football club.
Evie Flanagan won Young Volunteer of the Year for her contribution to girl’s grassroots football. Evie helps coach the Broughton United FC U7s girls’ team and the clubs FAW Huddle sessions. Evie is very popular with all the participants and is a role model for young girls starting out in football.
Fun Football Provider of the Year was awarded to The Coalfields Regeneration Trust ‘Game On Wales’ who operate programmes on reclaimed colliery sites in villages like Glyncorrwg, Penywaun, Ynysybwl, Treherbert, Blaenavon, Porth and Llanhilleth. These Fun Football sessions inspire and enrich lives and communities.
Alex Meek’s life was honoured with the Special Recognition Award. Heolgerrig Red Lion FC has grown significantly with over 350 children now playing for the club due to Alex’s vision and determination. Alex also introduced girls’ football to the club and there are now over 140 young girls playing and learning the game. Alex become a role model to all the children he coached.
Undy AFC won the Spirit of Grassroots Football Award for providing fun and inclusive football. The club have recently introduced monthly Autism and Disability Friendly sessions alongside a local charity. The club provide a safe space for children to participate in football with a wide range of activities to support the community.
Grassroots Match Official of the Year was awarded to Mason Parry for his dedication despite experiencing setbacks such as a ruptured ACL. His resilience and efforts have inspired a surge in young referees. Mason is described as a leader and a role model.
Connah’s Quay Town FC were awarded the Together Stronger Award. The club have implemented a mental health strategy for fans and players after the passing of one of their players, Jamie Wynne. Working with the community they have created a safe space for people to talk, promote mental health training and signpost to different support that is available.
The FAW’s Head of Grassroots Football, Ben Field said: “The FAW Grassroots Awards is a personal highlight for the year. The flagship FAW event is an opportunity to recognise and thank the people that dedicate their time and passion to keep our beautiful game going, our regional and national winners truly are the beating heart of Welsh football. A big llongyfarchiadau and diolch to tonight’s winners!”
