FOOTBALL legend Ryan Giggs has paid a surprise visit to Wrexham

The new Wales manager visited grassroots football club Rhosddu United to mark the launch of the Football Association of Wales (FAW) and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards.

Nominations have opened for the 2018 awards, which recognise the army of grassroots volunteers and football clubs all over Wales, celebrating the impact they have amongst their local communities.

They champion those selfless volunteers who enable children and young adults to play and enjoy grassroots football in a safe, friendly and welcoming environment regardless of age, gender or disability.

Every year the awards receive thousands of nominations and are backed by leading football legends including Casey Stoney, Sir Geoff Hurst, Martin Keown, Kenny Dalglish and Pat Jennings.

Ryan Giggs, is leading the call for nominations, urging communities across Wales to honour those local heroes.

He said: “The McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards are a fantastic way to recognise the thousands of unsung volunteers who support the grassroots game all over the country.

"Every year, I’m blown away by the incredible dedication, passion and enthusiasm of our grassroots volunteers and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate their achievements. Everyone involved in grassroots football is eligible to be nominated, from coaches to club secretaries, so make sure you nominate a local hero.”

Ashley Edwards, 2017 FAW and McDonald’s Volunteer of the year winner, from Wrexham, added: “Grassroots football is essential for the development of the game and without it the sport wouldn’t be as popular as it is today. It allows young boys and girls of all abilities and disabilities to get involved and most importantly have fun and enjoy the game they all love.

“There’s no better feeling for me that seeing the kids develop their skills within a family-friendly environment and these awards play an important role in raising awareness of all the fantastic volunteers at every club in Wales.”

“It was a proud moment for everyone in Wrexham when Ashley won his awards last year,” said local McDonald’s Franchisee, Stewart Williams, who is an avid supporter of grassroots football in the local area.

“The incredible dedication shown by grassroots football volunteers such as Ashley all over Wales is always so inspiring for their local communities and makes such a difference to those children who love playing the beautiful game – hopefully we see another national winner from Wrexham this year.”

The awards, which take place in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, have a range of categories, including Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Football Mum of the Year and Community Project of the Year.

Nominations for the FAW and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards are now open. To nominate a grassroots football club or volunteer go to www.mcdonalds.co.uk/awards