Ray Wilkins paid tribute to grassroots volunteers across the country this week as he visited a local community club in Surrey.

The former Chelsea and England star went along to see a coaching session with Carshalton Athletic, winners of last year's FA Charter Standard McDonald's Community Club of The Year.

And Wilkins was pleased to see the activities taking place, with parents, coaches and youngsters all enjoying the football on offer.

He told FATV: "It's such a big thing and so important.

"I don’t think the youngsters realise at the time just what a sacrifice the parents make and the time the coaches give up to come and coach them on Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons.

"It gives them something to enjoy when they're so young in a wonderful environment.

"You want kids to enjoy their football, you want them to be away from a computer and enjoying their football on a pitch and just having some fun.

"And that's what these guys are giving them.”

Wilkins still recalls his path to football stardom on the junior pitches of Middlesex, before he moved to Stamford Bridge and went on to represent the likes of Manchester United, AC Milan and Glasgow Rangers in his career.

But he admits he never had the sort of coaching and dedication shown by volunteers in his days.

He added: "When I was growing up as a youngster, there weren't any community clubs.

"My first club was Hayes Spurs in my hometown of Hayes in Middlesex.

"I played for them until I joined Chelsea at 10 and a half.

"From then on, I went and played at SENRAB in the east end of London and stayed there until I was about 14.”

Watch the full video of Ray’s visit to Carshalton in the Media Gallery above.

And you can cast your vote for The FA Community Award 2013 now by clicking here.