Last Saturday, Tenby volunteer, Angela Nicholls, attended the 2017 FAW Community Awards ceremony at Cardiff City Stadium, presented by McDonald’s, to be presented with her award as winner of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

Angela Nicholls was recognised at a national level for her ongoing contribution to local grassroots football. During the ceremony, Angela collected her award from Ian Rush, in front of an esteemed crowd containing legends such as Ryan Giggs.

The McDonald’s and FAW Community Awards, now in their 10th year, recognise and celebrate volunteers, coaches, clubs and leagues throughout Wales, whose dedication and hard work ensures the ongoing success of grassroots football in local communities. This year, the FAW and McDonald’s received over 300 nominations to the FAW Community Awards.

Angela has been an inspiration to young players, both boys and girls in Pembrokeshire for 25 years, and still coaches three times a week in a voluntary capacity at Tenby AFC on top of her busy schedule as a head teacher of a local Primary School.

She manages teams at county and grassroots level having until recently been working with the Foundation Phase at the Haverfordwest County Football Academy. Additionally, she is the secretary of the Pembrokeshire County Schools Football Association, responsible for making match arrangements for seven teams through liaison with the coaches and other associations.

Angela is an inspirational football person who acts as a role model and a mentor within her club. She has dedicated countless hours to improving the grassroots game in Wales, and is thoroughly deserving of any accolade she receives.

McDonald’s Head of Welsh Football, Ryan Giggs, said: “The extraordinary commitment and dedication shown by Angela is inspiring, making her a very worthy winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The continued development of the game in Wales fully depends on the determination of individuals like Angela and without her ongoing support for grassroots football, young Welsh footballers wouldn’t have these fantastic opportunities to grow and develop.

“I want to congratulate Angela and hope she’ll continue to encourage others to volunteer and get involved in local grassroots football.”

Local McDonald’s franchisee, Ron Mounsey, who is an avid supporter of grassroots football in the local area, said: “We want to congratulate Angela on her fantastic win - we are very proud to see a national winner from Tenby. We are always amazed by the effort and commitment Angela shows to grassroots football. The hours of hard work put in by volunteers like Angela continues to keep the game alive and helps it to thrive in our community, as well as inspiring the next generation of footballers and coaches.”