A teenager from Wrexham has his eyes set on a career in coaching after winning a special merit award.

Fifteen-year-old Iwan Booth, from Wrexham, had played football for Brymbo Lodge since he was eight, but in 2019 he badly broke his arm, which prevented him from playing for quite some time. 

After emergency surgery was completed, Iwan decided he didn't want to lose touch with his teammates and the club, so decided to take up coaching. 

He began volunteering with the U6's team, and since then his coaching has progressed to the point he is now coaching three of the junior Brymbo Lodge teams. 

The Leader: Iwan with his awardIwan with his award (Image: Matt Booth)

Iwan, who is currently preparing to sit his GCSE's at Bryn Alyn, continues to do what he loves, despite battling Marfan Syndrome.

Marfan syndrome is a disorder of the body's connective tissues, a group of tissues that maintain the structure of the body and support internal organs and other tissues.

Earlier this year, Iwan was put forward for the ‘Rising Star of the Year Award’ at the ‘FAW McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards’ by Kieron Howard, coach co-ordinator at Brymbo Lodge YFC.

He went on to win it, for the North East Wales region, much to his shock. 

Iwan said: "When I first heard that I’d won the rising star of the year award I was really shocked, I didn’t know what to say because I was so happy. It was an honour just to be nominated, but to have actually won was mind-blowing as I am just doing something I love to do.

"I am hoping that when I finish school next year, I can find a job that is related to coaching because I really want to have a career in coaching as it is something I have a passion for."

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Kieran said: "First of all, huge congratulations to Iwan for getting the recognition he deserves for all of his hard work and commitment.

"Iwan is strong, resilient, and an absolute role model to our players and parents at the club.

"He’s respected and admired by all at the club and is a testament to his parents who show tremendous support in driving him up and down to coach.

"Iwan is a great example to any young person that if you have setbacks, you can still achieve great things."

Iwan's award win was a proud moment for his dad, Matt, who added: "My wife Katie, and I are extremely proud of what Iwan has achieved with his passion for coaching. He has had so many obstacles put in his way through Marfan’s Syndrome, but he’s never let them stop him from doing what he likes to do.

"Winning this award is a fantastic achievement for Iwan, we hope that this helps him in the future to secure his dream job in coaching."