a day ago
Bradford coach takes home prestigious grassroots award from Wembley Stadium
BRADFORD'S Anwar Ali, a coach at Beap Tigers, won a prestigious football award at England Football's Grassroots Football Awards last Sunday.
Taking place before The FA's Community Shield fixture between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium, the event is there to celebrate volunteers from across the country that dedicate their time, energy and effort to make sure grassroots football continues to thrive.
This year marked a record-breaking milestone, with over 12,000 nominations submitted across 12 award categories.
Ali won the Coach of the Year (Male Pathway) Award for his outstanding work in transforming grassroots football in one of Bradford's most deprived areas, growing a team from just two children to over 100 players.
As a coach, mentor, manager, and volunteer groundsman, he gives his time selflessly every weekend, setting up pitches, organising games, and buying kit and equipment out of his own pocket for families in need.
Hosted by BBC Match of the Day presenter, Mark Chapman, Ali was presented with his award by former Liverpool player, Emile Heskey.
Before The FA Community Shield kicked off, Ali was also given a once-in-a-lifetime money-can't buy reward, where he had an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Wembley Stadium, exploring the changing rooms, tunnel, dugouts, mixed zone, and press conference room.
The volunteers were also honoured on the pitch at half-time and recognised in front of thousands of fans.
There are over one million people supporting grassroots football alone each year, with volunteers taking on a variety of different roles - from making teas and putting up goal posts all the way through to dedicated coaches and welfare officers.
The awards are an opportunity to give back to the volunteers for their outstanding contributions to grassroots football in their community.
Ali, Coach at Beap Tigers, commented: 'For many of the children, this is an opportunity to play football, and socially interact with peers in the local community.
"We have grown the team from two children to now over 100, and the impact it's having on them goes beyond sport - it teaches life lessons, builds pride and self-belief, and gives them a sense of purpose and opportunity.'
James Kendall, Director of Football Development at The FA, said: 'The England Football Grassroots Football Awards are a truly special occasion where we can celebrate the individuals who make such a positive and lasting impact on grassroots football in England.
'Volunteers are the heartbeat of the grassroots game up and down the country, ensuring the operation, participation and success of football at this level.
"The 12 winners are a credit to our society, and their devotion to supporting people and building communities through football deserves to be recognised.'
As well as Ali, Brighouse's Richard Hill also won a prestigious award at the celebratory event last Sunday.
He collected the Grounds Team of the Year Award for his unwavering dedication and contribution to ensuring Brighouse Juniors' football pitches and facilities remain in impeccable condition, taking the time to inspect and mark the pitches, and maintain the clubhouse.
Every weekend, Hall provides a pristine stage for 450 children to play football and enjoy the sport they love.
He commented: 'For many of the children, football is the only place where they can be themselves, so I want to ensure our pitches are in impeccable condition for them to experience the joy of football.
"Every Saturday and Sunday, I want to create an environment where the coaches and players can focus entirely on the game in an environment that inspires them."
