The nine finalists were already winners having been selected from more than 1700 entries and all were clearly excellent grassroots coaches in their own right having proven their talents in a 45 minute practical a coaching demonstration in front of The FA’s/McDonald’s judging panel.

The panel included The FA’s Director of Football Development Sir Trevor Brooking: “Quality coaches in the grassroots means better quality players at all levels of the game,” he said, “and this is crucial for the development of football in this country.

“What we need to do, and what we are working towards, is improving the quality of coaches in the grassroots so we have more coaches like the ones of display here today.”

In the end there could be only one overall Grassroots Coach of the Year and the honour went to John Scott, the Regional Winner from the South West.

John, now coach of Blandford Youth FC, has only been coaching for 2½ years but is already FA Learning Level One and Two qualified and is now studying for his Level 3 Coaching Award.

He has also started coaching at the centre of excellence at Bournemouth and is clearly an excellent new coach with a great future ahead of him.

As part of his award he was guest of honour at this year's FA Community Shield match which saw FA Cup winners Liverpool triumph over Premier League champions Chelsea, while Blandford Youth FC are eagerly awaiting a forthcoming visit from Sir Geoff Hurst and Eric Harrison who will hold a coaching session.

If you’d like to become a coach or would like to find out more about courses in your area, visit www.thefa.com/FALearning.