STALWARTS of North East Wales grassroots football have been honoured at a McDonald's FAW Trust Community Football Awards ceremony.

Since 2004, The Welsh Football Trust and their community partner, McDonald’s have been recognising the heroes of grassroots football through a national awards programme and this week the winners of the North East Wales region were announced.

At a local ceremony in their Regent Street, Wrexham restaurant on Thursday evening, McDonald’s Franchise manager Stewart Williams stated: “We met to celebrate the commitment and support of those hundreds - even thousands - of volunteers that keep our children playing football come rain or shine. We are proud of our reputation for supporting grassroots football and those who deserve to be rewarded and recognised.”

Paul Kelly received the Volunteer of the Year Award for his unrelenting commitment to Futsal in the Wrexham and North Wales Region and was their founder 3 decades ago.

Club of the Year went to Buckley Town Juniors FC who have been a shining example of embracing everything that is good about the game setting the highest of benchmark standards. Receiving the award on behalf of the club were Emma Iball and Kevin Holden.

Making a massive impact and for her hard work in running the Chirk Youth Under 10 side in the Wrexham Youth League, Sarah Williams was deserved winner of Coach of the Year.

One of the best known faces in refereeing circles for over 30 years has been Gerald Davies and he was a fitting winner of the Referees Award.

He enjoyed a lengthy career as a top-class match official and since his retirement, he has become a valued member of the North East Wales FA referee mentoring programme.

Kieron Jones was crowned the undisputed Young Volunteer winner. He plays and captains the Brymbo Lodge Under 15 side but what makes his role at the club so special is the major impact he makes coaching the younger players at the club.

The final award of the evening for Outstanding Achievement went to Phil Jones from Marford. His involvement and commitment stretch back over 4 decades fulfilling many roles.

Currently he is Chairman of the Wrexham Youth League and in addition he is the focal point for producing press reports and photography for all of the clubs in the Welsh National League and the Wrexham Youth League.

Mike Parry who is the Football Development Manager with Welsh FA Football Trust who helped organise the event said “The winners of the regional awards will automatically become the shortlisted candidates for the annual National Awards, presented by McDonald’s, at a star-studded event in Cardiff prior to the international match between Wales and Croatia on Sunday October 13.