The nine finalists were already winners, having been selected from more than 1,700 entries.

All are excellent grassroots coaches, having proven their talents in a 45 minute coaching demonstration in front of The FA’s/McDonald’s judging panel, which included Sir Trevor Brooking MBE, The FA’s Director of Football Development, Sir Geoff Hurst MBE, McDonald’s Director of Coaching, Eric Harrison, McDonald’s National Football Coach and former Manchester United Youth Team Coach, and Les Howie, The FA’s National Manager for Club Development.

Speaking at the presentations both Sir Geoff and Sir Trevor showed their appreciation for the coaches’ skills.

Sir Geoff commented: "The panel clearly have a tough job on their hands as the standard of coaching has been excellent.

"From what we have seen you’re all doing a great job in your local communities and are helping to show kids the importance of taking part in both football and sport in general."

Sir Trevor also addressed the crowd of players, parents and winning coaches, adding: "Quality coaches in the grassroots means better quality players at all levels of the game 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 on display here today."

The nine regional winners are:

- Joe Webster – South East
- Rob Coulman – West Midlands
- Marcus Allen – London (pictured)
- Lee Duffy – East Midlands
- John Scott – South West
- Simon Appleton – East
- James Carron – North
- Bill Stemp – North West
- Shaun Pask – Yorkshire

But in the end, from 1,700 entries, there could be only one overall winner and so keeping watching TheFA.com for more details soon.