As a supporter of grassroots coaching, McDonald's understands the difference that qualified coaching can make - this is why they're helping to create more volunteer community coaches to provide more opportunities for more children to receive qualified coaching to play and enjoy the national game.
To recognise the work of community coaches - those often unsung heroes who tirelessly volunteer their time week in and week out - McDonald's and The FA launched the Grassroots Coach of the Year Awards in 2005. The awards recognise the best junior coaching work and is part of McDonald's ambition to boost the standard and availability of qualified coaching for young players in every community as part of its renewed sponsorship with The FA.
McDonald's and The FA are proud to announce that the winner of this year's national award is Nottingham coach, Steve Pritchard.
Steve fought off stiff competition from over 1,800 community volunteer coaches for the Grassroots Coach of the Year crown and was officially presented with his award by Sir Trevor Brooking and Sir Geoff Hurst at The FA Community Shield as well as received £1,000 of coaching equipment.
The FA and McDonald's hope that Steve will inspire more volunteers to get involved in the national game and help improve coaching standards for youngsters.
The judging procedures are rigorous and all nine FA regional finalists were interviewed by a panel of judges comprising of Sir Trevor Brooking, (The FA's Director of Football Development), Sir Geoff Hurst (McDonald's Director of Football), Eric Harrison (former Manchester United youth coach and McDonald's National Football Coach) and Les Howie (The FA's National Football Development manager).
Sir Geoff Hurst MBE, McDonald's Director of Football commented: "Steve is a real ambassador for the game and we need more people like him to ensure
youngsters have better access to qualified coaching and more opportunities to play and enjoy Britain's national game. McDonald's ambition is to retain and grow the number of volunteer coaches to leave a legacy that will last for years to come."
Sir Trevor Brooking CBE, The FA's Director of Football Development, said: "Over the last three years, the standard of coaches has improved year on year. Our aim is to improve the standard of football at every level in this country and our continuing partnership with McDonald's is crucial to this aim.
Through the creation of 9,500 volunteer coaches, McDonald's has already demonstrated that they can make a genuine difference to community football."
Steve added: "I'm extremely proud to have won The FA Learning/ McDonald's Grassroots Coach of the Year Award. I love coaching all abilities and ages and to be recognised by both my players and the judging panel is a huge honour."
Previous Winners:
2006: John Scott, Blandford, Dorset
2005: Alan Brown, Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham
