As nominations  continue to pour in for the 2014 McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards we turn our attention  to the Disability Coach of the Year category which is not only one of the most challenging but also one of the most rewarding categories to be nominated for.

Last year’s winner of the Disability Coach of the Year Award was Sharlene Rainey who is one of the leading disability coaches in Northern Irish football, serving as the head coach of a Powerchair Football team.

Powerchair Football is a competitive team sport for people with disabilities who use power wheelchairs and Sharlene displays real dedication and commitment to helping develop young players and to instil them with confidence in their own abilities. Sharlene has been setting the standards for clubs and coaches in disability football through the performances of her team, Newtownabbey-based Trailblazers Powerchair FC who won the Irish Powerchair Football Cup and the Harmony Cup in what was only their second season together as a team.

Sharlene said, “A lot of credit must go to the players and parents for their commitment throughout the season. The club has been progressing well, to win two Cups in a season was fantastic and I know the players are already looking forward to next season and building upon their achievements.”If you know a candidate who displays similar commitment to supporting grassroots football and you’d like them to be recognised please nominate them at www.McDonalds.co.uk/Awards or www.IrishFA.com/CommunityAwards.

Goalkeeping legend and McDonald’s Head of Northern Ireland Football Pat Jennings, said: “The McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards recognise those coaches, clubs and volunteers who give their all for grassroots football throughout Northern Ireland. 

“Sharlene's award is particularly special as it reflects the great work she is doing within her local community and the invaluable service she is providing for disability football.  She is removing barriers and helping people with disabilities to get involved in playing football in a fun and inclusive environment.“Nominations can be made via www.McDonalds.co.uk/Awards and www.IrishFA.com/CommunityAwards  so please get online 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