A dedicated coach at Talgarth Town has been recognised for her work at the 2023 FAW & McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards ceremony.
Amy Hardy has been named the national winner of the prestigious Young Volunteer of the Year award.
The ceremony was held at Park Gate Hotel Cardiff on September 29,
The FAW & McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards recognise and celebrate the incredible volunteers who dedicate countless hours to inspire those in the grassroots football community. The awards are now in their eleventh year and Amy joins a long list of inspirational grassroots football heroes who have been recognised by the programme.
Amy currently coaches the U8 girls every week at Talgarth and is a real inspiration to the team. She has a passion for volunteering and sport, supporting the U8s girls’ team both on and off the pitch.
When Amy is not coaching her U8s team she is busy expanding access to football wherever she can. Seeing a lack of girls football provision at her own school, she worked closely with the PE teacher to set up and deliver more girls' sessions at her school. Amy is a key part of Talgarth Town FC and the team credit many of their successes to her. She has also supported her PE teacher with setting up and delivering sessions at school.
Meanwhile, the Volunteer of the Year accolade was awarded to Eva Bredsdorff who has been the club secretary for four years at Welshpool Town Football Club.
Volunteers from the club accepted their award from Danny Gabbidon the Park Gate Hotel Cardiff.
McDonald’s Fun Football ambassador Danny Gabbidon said: "Grassroots football and the many volunteers are the life blood of our nations game. I’m so proud to be here in Cardiff to honour these incredible winners. Volunteers like Amy are a testament to their community and an inspiration to those looking to get involved in the grassroots game.
"The FAW & McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards are a special occasion and a chance to show how grateful we are to the hours of dedication volunteers put in to make football what it is.”
Local McDonald’s Franchisee Rob Beckett is an avid supporter of grassroots football in Welshpool area, he added: “We are immensely proud to have a Grassroots Football Award winner from Welshpool. Amy has shown amazing dedication to keeping the spirit of grassroots football alive and thoroughly deserves this award. It’s great to see all of the winners celebrated at the national ceremony – they are truly the heart and soul of the grassroots game.”
McDonald’s is the longest-standing supporter of grassroots football in the UK, having celebrated Grassroots Heroes at the Grassroots Football Awards for 19 years. In addition to championing local grassroots heroes. Over the past year, 250,000 children enjoyed free football thanks to McDonald’s, and will continue to grow year on year.
For further information on McDonald’s involvement in grassroots football and to find out how your club could benefit visit www.mcdonalds.co.uk/football