Stourbridge referee wins national award

Chad Roberts won the Grassroots Match Official of the Year award at the FA and McDonald's Grassroots football ceremony held at Wembley Stadium.

The 19-year-old winner received the award for his efforts in the Stourbridge and District Youth Football League and his time spent talking to referees about concerns as well as undertaking an assistant referees’ workshop to provide guidance.

McDonald’s ambassador Sir Geoff Hurst said: “I have been involved with the Grassroots Awards since the beginning and the stories of the winners never fail to impress me.

"Chad should be extremely proud of his work and grassroots football in Stourbridge is a much better place with Chad a part of it.

"It was a pleasure to meet Chad and I hope he continues his extraordinary commitment to football for many years to come.”

The 2019 FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards took place last Sunday to recognise and celebrate the volunteers who dedicate time to the grassroots game.

Chad accepted his award from football legend Martin Keown ahead of the FA Community Shield match which saw Manchester City beat Liverpool on penalties.

McDonald’s franchisee Abdul Sirkhot, who is an avid supporter of grassroots football in Stourbridge, said: “It’s an honour to recognise the work of people like Chad within the grassroots football community in Stourbridge.

"Chad clearly goes above and beyond in his role and his commitment to refereeing makes him a very well-deserved winner."

The young referee had the chance to join World Cup hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst on the pitch in front of 77,000 fans.

Mr Sirkhot added: "I’ve been supporting grassroots football in Stourbridge for many years, and Chad’s story really highlights the difference the volunteers make in the local community.”

By Georgina Cutler