County FA recognition for Lions’ young volunteer Keal

More than 150 grassroots football coaches, referees and volunteers were at St Georges Park in Burton, the home of English football, for the awards ceremony which were attended by high-profile guests such as Les Howie, head of grassroots coaching at the FA, and FA Cup final referee Andre Marriner.

Keal beat off intense competition to win the award after giving up 207 hours of her time to take part in Football Futures, the FA’s national leadership and volunteering programme which provides young people with opportunities to train, volunteer and build skills and experience within their communities.

The Leamington Lions player also regularly assists with the under-tens’ sessions at her club while becoming a sports leader has allowed her to organise inter-school activities.

Heidi Lockyer, senior football development officer at the Birmingham County FA, paid tribute to all the winners, saying: “Grassroots football is at the heart of the national game and every week across the country, people dedicate their time and energy to provide a professional, fun and rewarding football experience for their local community.

“The awards were a fantastic occasion, rightly held at the fantastic home of English football.

“I’d like to congratulate all the winners and thank them for their incredible contribution to grassroots football all across the county.”