In the coming days, Liverpool County FA will be announcing the winners of this year’s FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards (GFA), which acknowledge and celebrate the incredible leagues, clubs and volunteers involved in the game across Merseyside.

During what is a difficult time for so many of us, with grassroots football hit incredibly hard, it is a pleasure to be able to pay tribute to just some of the many factors that make our game so special – and emphasise why, when we can come back, we’ll come back stronger.

COACH OF THE YEAR (YOUTH)

It’s with great pleasure that Liverpool County FA announces the winner of this year’s Coach of the Year (Youth) Award – Linzi Davies of Widnes Football Club.

Nominated by Sarah Cullen, Sarah explains precisely why Linzi is such a deserving winner.

“Linzi is dedicated to youth football,” said Sarah. 

“Her commitment to provide safe, fun and guided football for all is at the core of everything she does. Not only is she lead coach to an under-9s mixed team, she is also youth development officer for a club of over 250 children aged 4-15, ensuring that all children, regardless of age, ability and social standing, have the opportunity to play football. The go-to person for coaches, she offers leadership and all the qualities of a good role model for our young players to look up to. The pinnacle of professionalism and friendliness; our club would be lost without her.

“Linzi’s efforts, although not single-handed, have grown Widnes FC Youth from three teams to 16, and a junior academy of 22 under-6s in under three years,” continued Sarah. 

“She has provided a safe and fun environment to encourage more children to get involved and play football. Working alongside support coaches, she has successfully applied for a Wildcats programme and a disability programme, which launch later this year to ensure that no one from our community is missing out on the opportunity to get involved in football. She goes above and beyond to support players getting to games, driving a ‘mum bus’ of five players.

“As a volunteer Linzi gives up thousands of hours each year to let kids play the sport we love. As a police officer and mum of three, Linzi has a sense of community and working as a team to get things done. She brings this into her role as coach and mentor. Always striving for the best, she looks to improve her own coaching standards by completing FA accredited coaching courses, completing many CPD modules online and attending Women in the Game events with our local FA. It’s clear that every child matters to Linzi and she always gives 100% to make herself the best she can be to support development of all.”

On behalf of everybody at Liverpool County FA, congratulations to Linzi and thank you for all you do.