The FAW McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards celebrate the hard work of the unsung heroes across Wales who dedicate their time towards grassroots football.
The awards recognise and celebrate the people who make a positive difference within communities across Wales, showing the true power of football in connecting people and inspiring others, enabling people to play and enjoy football.
The Regional Winners of the FAW McDonald’s Grassroots Awards 2024 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.
- Coity Chiefs FC (South Wales)
- Camrose AFC (West Wales)
- RTB Ebbw Vale (Gwent)
- Newtown Whitestars (Central Wales)
- Mynydd Isa FC (Northeast Wales)
- CPD Pwllheli (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.
- Anthony Cole – Margam FC (South Wales)
- Gavin Havard – Pontarddulais FC (West Wales)
- Che Sully – Newport City FC (Gwent)
- Gethin Thomas – Felinfach FC (Central Wales)
- Kris Farren – Mynydd Isa FC (Northeast Wales)
- Aaron Jones Evans – CPD Felinheli (North Wales Coast)
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 keeping our game going whilst providing opportunities for their local communities.
- Paula Bushen – Caerphilly Castel (South Wales)
- Rhian Williams – Coedffranc FC (West Wales)
- Elinor Tugwell – Ponthir & Caerleon JFC (Gwent)
- Gerald Makaruk – Penrhyncoch FC (Central Wales)
- David Parry – Rhos Aelwyd (Northeast Wales)
- Sian Ishmael Jones – Bangor Saints FC (North Wales Coat)
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.
- Dylan Pearce – Aberdare Town (South Wales)
- Seren Morrison – Ystradgynlais (West Wales)
- Charlie Pitman (Gwent)
- Ceri Norris – Berriew FC (Central Wales)
- Evie Flanagan – Broughton United (Northeast Wales)
- Mary-Claire Williams – CPD Cefni (North Wales Coast)
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.
- The Coalfields Regeneration Trust / Game on Wales (South Wales)
- Abergavenny Rhinos (Gwent)
- Llandrindod Wells (Central Wales)
- Bala Town FC (Northeast Wales)
- Pêl Droed Nathan Craig (North Wales Coast)
Special Recognition Award
This award looks to recognise 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.
- Alex Meek – Heolgerrig Red Lion FC (South Wales)
- Mike John – Kilgetty AFC & the Pembrokeshire Football League (West Wales)
- Lyndon “Egga” Pearce (Gwent)
- Ray Hughes – Aberystwyth Town FC (Central Wales)
- Wynne Davies – Ruthin Town FC (Northeast Wales)
- Geraint Williams – Valley Juniors & Anglesey League (North Wales Coast)
The Spirit of Grassroots Football Award
This award recognises a special individual, club, league or group who uses the power of football to positively impact people’s lives.
- Gareth Morgan – Tongwynlais FC (South Wales)
- Rosehill Community Football Club (West Wales)
- Undy AFC (Gwent)
- Rhys Vaughan Evans (Central Wales)
- Iwan Waters – Holywell Town FC (Northeast Wales)
- Susan Beattie & Ian Price – Prestatyn Athletic (North Wales Coast)
Match Official of the Year
This award highlights a match official’s commitment to grassroots football and supports the delivery of the game. A referee can be officiating at any level of Welsh football who advocates the FAW’s key values of Excellence, Family & Respect at all times.
- David Alan Davies (West Wales)
- Terry Moulton (Gwent)
- Coby Perch (Central Wales)
- Jed Machin (Northeast Wales)
- Mason Parry (North Wales Coast)
Together Stronger Award
This award is for an individual, club, group or league that are using 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.
- Nana Baah (South Wales)
- Connah’s Quay Town FC (Northeast Wales)
- Penmaenmawr Phoenix (North Wales Coast)
Llongyfarchidau to all of this year’s FAW McDonald’s Grassroots Awards Regional Winners!
The National Winners will be announced during the FAW McDonald’s Grassroots Awards ceremony taking place on Friday 20 September.
