Northern Ireland v Netherlands

Brian Sloan picked up the prestigious People’s Award at this year’s McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards gala. DEDICATIONOF GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL VOLUNTEERS RECOGNISED

Words Nigel Tilson

And Northern Ireland senior men’s team manager Michael O’Neill and former Northern Ireland international and Irish League legend Glenn Ferguson were also VIP guests. The Volunteer of the Year accolade went to John Honeyford, who has been a volunteer across the football spectrum in Causeway Coast and Glens, starting with East End FC in the Coleraine Youth League. John was instrumental in developing youth football in the area by creating the North West and Coleraine District Youth League, which is now known as the Harry Gregg Foundation Youth League. Stuart Carson was presented with the Special Recognition Award. Stuart has coped with the tragic death of his nine-year-old son Carter in a car accident last year by coaching a team at the club his son played for, 18th Newtownabbey Youth FC, and promoting organ donation. The Wes Gregg Coach of the Year trophy was awarded to Danny Kelly. The 28-year-old has been involved at Bangor Swifts since playing for the Co Down club’s youth team aged nine. Three years ago he helped to set up Bangor Swifts Juniors FC. He is vice chairperson and coaches the 2011 team and he has even managed to get the parents of his players to take part in keep fit sessions.

The People’s Award winner - decided by an online public vote - was rewarded for his work with Brookvale FC in Co Armagh. In the early 1980s Brian and his friend Alan Black set up the cross-community club in the Bessbrook area and it’s still going strong. And Brian (72) continues to be heavily involved. Brian's sons followed in his footsteps and now coach Brookvale teams, while his grandchildren play for the club. He pipped Brian Gordon, a stalwart at Lurgan Town who has recently retired, to the award. Brian has held roles such as chairman, fixtures secretary, committee member and team manager since he helped to form the club in 1988. Now in their 18th year, the awards recognise the huge contribution of clubs, coaches and volunteers in making grassroots football such a success throughout Northern Ireland. The McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards presentation ceremony took place at Belfast City Hall earlier this autumn with accolades presented in nine categories. More than 200 guests were there to celebrate and recognise the highest ever number of nominations across the various categories. Among the special guests were McDonald’s Head of Northern Ireland Football and Spurs legend Pat Jennings and McDonald’s Football Ambassador and Liverpool and Watford great John Barnes.

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