FOOTBALL coaches from Prestatyn have been honoured for their efforts at the McDonalds Welsh Community Football Awards.
Ivan Nattrass and Bill Darwin, who coach Prestatyn Girls Football Club, and the PE team at Prestatyn High, were honoured at the awards, which recognises players, coaches and clubs who dedicate their time to grassroots football.
Mr Nattrass, whose celebrated Under 14s were the winners of a national tournament in Cardiff as well as the local league cup champions, was named Coach of the Year for his dedication in helping the girls’ team succeed.
Also recognised for his efforts in girls football was Bill Darwin, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award after founding the North Wales Girls League.
And Prestatyn High, whose PE department is run by Phil Pierce, was named School of the Year after their girls’ sides reached the Under 14s and 16s cup finals.
Ian Rush, Director of Welsh Football for McDonalds, praised the three winners for their efforts over the last season.
“Phil, his team at Prestatyn School, and club coaches like Ivan are great examples to everyone involved in grassroots football along the North Wales Coast.
“They have achieved and sacrificed so much to ensure that grassroots football thrives in their region. The Welsh Community Football Awards were established to ensure their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”
As winners of their regional awards, both Prestatyn High and Ivan Natrass have been shortlisted for the national finals, to be announced at an award ceremony in Cardiff on Thursday June 23.
Also a winner at the local awards was Joel Watson of Rhyl, who won the WFT Disability Boy of the Year award.
Gus Williams, North Wales Coast Regional Development Officer said: “Phil and his team have worked hard over the years developing a programme which encourages girls to participate in football.
“The school has excelled in recent years and is one of the most competitive in the country. As a result of the teams’ hard work the grassroots programmes at local clubs have benefitted greatly. Phil and his team fully deserve this type of recognition, they set the standard for all schools in the region.”