Grassroots football heroes from North Wales coast are honoured for their tireless work
Unsung sporting heroes from the North Wales Coast were honoured recently at the FA Wales McDonalds Grassroots Football Awards for the region.
These awards recognise the efforts of volunteers, coaches, clubs and players who play a crucial role in promoting and developing grassroots football.
Thank were expressed to Phil Lowndes for allowing the hosting of the awards in Llandudno.
The North Wales Coast increased their total number of nominations from 167 in 2023 to 273 in 2024. It’s great to see the amazing work our volunteers do being recognised
TOGETHER STRONGER AWARD
Penmaenmawr Phoenix
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.
Penmaenmawr Phoenix are a tremendous example of this, with a progressive first team, as well as very useful development and veterans sides, a women’s team on the way and numerous successful junior sides.
Along with supporting and offering football to over 260 children and 80 adults, Phoenix also support other sports such as netball.
A true community club.
MATCH OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
Mason Parry
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
Geraint Williams
COMMUNITY COACH OF THE YEAR
Aaron Jones Evans
Totally deserved award for the coach of the successful women’s team at CPD Y Felinheli.
Aaron has coped with a major health setback in recent years and built alongside the likes of Pob Griffith, Kelly Jones and others an outstanding ladies side at Cae Seilo which has won back-to-back North Wales Coast Challenge Cups, as well as establishing itself as one of the best in Tier 2 Adran North.
Aaron also does marvellous work coaching the youngsters at the club. An unsung hero who always speaks with pride and positivity about his players, but also shows the type of humility lacking in certain areas of the game nowadays.
COMMUNITY CLUB OF THE YEAR
Clwb Peldroed Pwllheli
Another brilliant club which is making progress all the time.
In 2023-24, the first team had a good season in the Tier 3 Ardal North West, while the ladies were phenomenal, winning the North Wales League West Division and overall North Wales League title with a run of 11 straight victories.
Pwllheli also have a nicely developing youth section.
YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Mary-Claire Williams
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Sian Ishmael-Jones
FUN FOOTBALL PROVIDER OF THE YEAR
Pêl-droed Nathan Craig Football
The pride of North Wales when it comes to developing the young stars of today.
Not only does Nathan and his team provide opportunities for hundreds of youngsters to enjoy the beautiful game, he also engages numerous coaches to develop their football tuition skills.
A former Everton player and Wales Under-21 international, Nathan enjoyed tremendous success locally with Caernarfon Town and is a magnificent ambassador for his sport.
Nathan and his happy crew have won the North Wales Coast Fun Football Provider awards for a FOURTH successive year, and in 2023 won the NATIONAL award – the only northern success.
Here’s hoping he does it again in 2024.
SPIRIT OF GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL AWARD
Susan Beattie and Ian Price
All 9 winners will go in front of panel against all areas of Wales in the National Grassroots Awards to be unveiled in September.