SAINTS goalkeeper Alex McCarthy praised the "exceptional" work of Wendy Benson, who has been named the FA & McDonalds grassroots coach of the year.
McCarthy, who is ambassador for the grassroots awards, made a surprise phone call to Benson to inform her of her win and invite her to the ceremony ahead of last weekend's Community Shield at Wembley Stadium.
Benson has provided football opportunities for disabled children at Braunton FC Junior Ability in Devon since 2019, increasing participation from two to 17 players. She modifies sessions to cater to each child's disability.
"It was really nice chatting with her," McCarthy told the Daily Echo.
"She was a breath of fresh air. She was obviously rewarded for the work that she’s done and rightly so.
"Obviously the grassroots is massive. All professional footballers started out kicking a ball in the grassroots.
"It’s where we found our love for the game and without grassroots football, I wouldn’t be where I am now.
"That’s why it’s so important to recognise volunteers like Wendy herself, who make it possible.
"The work Wendy’s done, it gives kids so many opportunities. I think the work that she’s done has been exceptional and it was really nice chatting to her the other week."
Discussing his own youth football days, 31-year-old McCarthy added: "My family are from Guildford, I’ve lived over that sort of way for the majority of my life. I was playing for Guildford Saints and then when I was playing in tournaments for them I got scouted by the county.
"It wasn’t until when I was playing with the county that was when I got scouted by a few clubs.
"So I didn’t go into an academy until I was a lot older than some of the boys. I ended up going to Wycombe.
"I think I was about 14 or 15 and then from there I went on to the other clubs that I’ve been at. It’s massive the work they (grassroots volunteers) do and it’s given me the opportunity to get to where I am today."
Alex McCarthy is an ambassador for the FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards, celebrating the heroes who go above and beyond for the grassroots game. Find out more at www.mcdonalds.co.uk/football
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