GRASSROOTS volunteer Lloyd Griffin was honoured at the 2016 FAW Community Awards ceremony, receiving his award from Wales legend Ian Rush.

The national awards, which are now in their ninth year, recognise and celebrate grassroots volunteers and clubs across Wales who dedicate their time to local grassroots football.

Lloyd won the young volunteer people’s award thanks to his work in the Gwent area.

The Newport youngster currently studies sports science at Cardiff Met University having previously been an active volunteer on the St Joseph High School 5x60 programme.

During his time as a volunteer at St Joseph’s he learned the key elements of leading sports sessions.

He now helps to support the Newport Centre Friday Football programme, which a minimum of 30 kids attend every week.

Lloyd is extremely committed, and never misses session. He doesn’t drive and therefore travels across the city by bike or on foot to ensure that others have the opportunity to play the beautiful game.

The awards are sponsored by McDonald’s and the fast food outlet’s head of Welsh football Ryan Giggs said: “It is wonderful to see so many people getting behind grassroots football as it really is key to the continued development of the game in Wales.

“Lloyd Griffin’s work in Gwent has been nothing short of extraordinary. He is a true grassroots hero and it was an honour to see him collect his award on the night.

“I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to Lloyd and hopefully he will inspire others to volunteer and get involved at grassroots football clubs.”

The FAW awards are part of McDonald’s ongoing community partnership with the FAW.

To find out more about McDonald’s partnership with the FAW visit www.mcdonalds.co.uk/betterplay or follow @BetterPlayUK on Twitter.