West Wales FA Regional Grassroots Football Awards

West Wales FA Regional Grassroots Football Awards

Young Volunteer of the Year – Josh Edwards (Carmarthen Town FC)
Josh has been recognised for his work in the tuck shop on match days, managing the clubs social media accounts and combining the two sometimes to serve customers and post match updates simultaneously. He also has set up a Walking Football group by himself, which seems to be run very well and enjoys doing so. When you consider Josh is only 15 and combines these roles alongside playing football and doing his GCSE’s, it is a fantastic achievement.

Volunteer of the Year – Tony Williams (Burry Port)
Tony has been a coach at Burry Port for 7 years guiding his team through junior football to u16s. As a coach, Tony has always looked to develop players and has always given players the chance to play and grow, his attitude is fantastic and this is evident in his teams. During this time, Tony has also been responsible for maintaining the club pitch – cutting, marking and strimming and maintaining equipment. The club stated the without Tony they would have found it very difficult. In addition, Tony has been the driving force behind the renovation of the club’s changing rooms, completing plumbing, painting, carpentry and electrical work as well as weekly cleaning and maintenance. Even though Tony is taking a break from coaching he will still be maintaining the club’s pitches. Tony is a true example of what volunteering is all about.

Outstanding achievement award – Bernard Steer
Bernard has shown a tremendous amount of commitment to football throughout his lifetime. He started off as a goalkeeper for Taunton Town in his younger years and coached teams and ran weekend/holiday soccer schools in the Midlands. He helped bring football to all by coaching youngsters in Birmingham’s social care system throughout the 80s – 90s in combination with his day job as a social worker. After moving to Wales and as a licensed FAW Goalkeeper coach, Bernard has worked with Haverfordwest Academy and he is currently working with Carmarthen Town AFC Academy and Pembrokeshire Schools Football Association. He also runs goalkeeper coaching sessions for local youngsters and takes goalkeeper sessions at Tenby AFC Soccer Schools. The amazing part is that Bernard Steer is 79 years old and he is still passing on his knowledge, getting involved and helping to bring football to grass-roots players in Wales.

Grassroots Project of the Year -St Florence Girls
Geraint and Kelly set up St Florence Girls last year to give girls the opportunity to play football, encouraging them to be active and develop their skills. Their dedication and commitment has now seen the club enter 4 teams from u10s – u16s into the Pembrokeshire Womens & Girls league. A fantastic example of how to develop and provide grassroots football opportunities.

Community Coach of the Year – Daniel Davies (Ystradgynlais Juniors)
Daniel Davies is someone who for the last 10 years has pretty much had his life revolve around grassroots football. He has been heavily involved with Ystradgynlais Juniors not only as a coach, but as secretary, treasurer, chairman and fixture sec. His passion is coaching and is involved as a coach with as many as 6 teams per week.
He set up a completely new girls section at the club and it now boasts teams at 4 age groups. He has had a hand in every single age group, either coaching, or establishing the team. He is a C certificate holder and has recently completed C goalkeeper certificate too.
Many of the children he coaches have been inspired by his sessions, with many coming from low level ability and now thriving in confidence.

Community Club of the Year – Fishguard Sports
Over the past 8 years Fishguard Sports have developed themselves in to a club that is at the centre of its community. They have developed junior football for boys, girls and players with a disability. The club currently has 7 junior boys teams, 4 junior girls teams and a junior disability team. Alongside the 2 senior teams they have developed a new ground with changing facilities and a clubhouse that has given the club the home it deserves. The tireless efforts and hard work of a number of volunteers within the club have allowed them to provide the extensive junior playing opportunities now available within the club.