Nominations are continuing for the 2014 McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards and this week we are focusing on the Young Volunteer of the Year Award Category.  They say that old habits die hard and for Sean Doyle at Celtic Boys and Girls FC that may well be the case as volunteering habits were formed at a very young age. 

Recognising the importance of getting children involved in grassroots football and playing the game from an early level, Sean spends most of his time working with Celtic Boys and Girls FC’s youngest players who are aged between four and six years old.  In his role as a volunteer he gives up his evenings and weekends throughout the year to help develop the youngest players within his local community and welcomes everyone to the club, regardless of their ability.  He has been helping the club in this capacity since he was 17 years old.

If you know someone who displays a similar commitment and passion to benefitting grassroots football and you’d like them to be recognised please nominate them at www.McDonalds.co.uk/Awards or www.IrishFA.com/CommunityAwards.

Sean received his accolade at last year’s McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards which were held at the Millennium Forum in Derry~Londonderry.  McDonald’s Football Ambassadors Sir Geoff Hurst, Ian Rush and Eric Harrison joined goalkeeping legend and Northern Ireland’s Football Ambassador Pat Jennings to honour these heroes of grassroots football.  

Speaking after receiving his award, Sean said: “It was a great feeling to win this award – I’m absolutely delighted!  I’ve really enjoy developing the children’s abilities at Celtic Boys Nursery and I’m looking forward to many more years working with our young players.”

Commenting on the drive of those that give of their time to support the grassroots game Pat Jennings, McDonald’s Head of Northern Ireland Football, said: “The McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards is our way of saying thank you to the coaches, clubs and volunteers who give up their time to help young footballers across Northern Ireland shine.  What makes Sean’s award extraordinary is that he is so young himself so this can only benefit the wider community and at McDonald’s we want to recognise this very important contribution that young volunteers make.”

Nominations can be made via www.McDonalds.co.uk/Awards and www.IrishFA.com/CommunityAwards  so log on and fill out a nomination form for a volunteer, coach or club that goes the extra mile for football in your community.

The Awards form a key part of McDonald’s Community Partnership with the Irish FA; a partnership that has been developing grassroots football since 2002 and is helping young footballers shine.  This partnership is delivering a lasting legacy for grassroots football in Northern Ireland through KickStart funding, ongoing coach creation and education, the Club Accreditation Scheme and a number of regional Small Sided Games Centres– all contributing to ‘Better Play for Kids’.

ENDS