Nominations are open for FA Community Awards 2014

Football legends Martin Keown and Gary Pallister have urged communities across the nation to nominate their grassroots clubs and volunteers for The FA Community Awards 2014, presented by McDonald's.

The nomination process for the Awards is now open and allows you to recognise grassroots football clubs and the volunteers that dedicate their free time to ensuring young players can participate in grassroots football across the country.

And Community Award ambassadors Keown and Pallister want local communities to nominate their grassroots heroes and the clubs that provide a safe and fun environment for young players to enjoy the sport.

Former Arsenal and England defender Keown said: “Kids learn the fundamental basics of any sport at the grassroots level.

“I owe everything to the volunteers and clubs that sacrificed their time to ensure I could play football.

“The people that paint the lines, hang up the nets, organise the kit and coach the kids are all people we should be recognising -  it is their dedication that makes football what it is today.”

Keown watches on at Wembley as youngsters receive coaching.

And ex Manchester United and England central defender Pallister added: “It isn’t about creating the next Wayne Rooney or Steven Gerrard -  to these grassroots clubs it is about creating an environment where youngsters can develop a passion for the game.

“They enable kids to play and enjoy the game and if they happen to go all the way then they have even more to thank the club for.

“What better way to recognise the incredible people that make that happen than to nominate them for an FA Community Award?”

To vote for a football club or volunteer, click here now. 

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