Emma Iball is a true diamond of the North Wales football family

Football thrives on the hard work of volunteers and in Emma Iball, North Wales has one of the very best.

The national winners of the annual FAW & McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards were revealed last week, and Emma from Flintshire was crowned 2020 Volunteer of the Year.

The awards celebrate the efforts of grassroots football volunteers across Wales who go the extra mile to support their local communities.

Emma joins a long list of inspirational people who have been recognised by the awards programme.

She has supported and cared deeply about Buckley Town Football Club for a number of years, and her enthusiasm and commitment never tires.

She supports every team with her knowledge and guidance from the girls under 9s right through to the Veterans.

No job is too small for Emma and she is on hand to provide her support with training, fixtures, registrations, marketing as well as fundraising. Emma is a real inspiration to everyone at the club as well as in Buckley.

Emma received her prestigious national accolade during a virtual awards ceremony held in Cardiff.

The ceremony was hosted by sports presenter Michelle Owen and featured Wales internationals Robert Earnshaw and Megan Wynne, who were on hand to congratulate the winners.

Emma received personal congratulations via video link from Wales international star Jonny Williams.

Local McDonald’s franchisee, Stewart Williams, who is an avid supporter of grassroots football in Flintshire, added: “We just want to congratulate Emma Iball on her fantastic win, it’s great to see a national winner from Flintshire.

“It’s been a difficult year and it’s people like Emma that keep the grassroots game going from strength to strength and we hope that this win inspires others in Flintshire to get involved in grassroots football.”