NEWPORT teenager Rollin Menayese has been named young player of the year in the FAW Community Awards.

The 15-year-old, a pupil at St Joseph's High School, won the player of the year (boy) category in the annual grassroots football awards, presented by McDonald's.

And he received the award from Wales legend Ian Rush at a ceremony at the Cardiff City Stadium before last week's World Cup qualifying match against Serbia.

Menayese is currently playing for Cardiff City under-15s and the talented centre back and midfielder has shown excellent potential throughout the year which culminated in him representing Wales in a UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifying match against Northern Ireland.

His progress in the game has been remarkable so far and he has also played for Wales at under-15 and under-16 levels including an outstanding performance against fierce rivals England in the Victory Shield.

He has been earmarked as a player to watch out for in the future and is being nurtured carefully by the Wales national system as well as the Bluebirds.

The FAW Community Awards aim to recognise and celebrate those coaches, volunteers, clubs and leagues, across Wales who dedicate their time to grassroots football in their local community.

This year, more than 600 nominations were received from across the country, with nominees first recognised at a regional level across the ten categories before going on to be pitted against each other for success as national winners.

McDonald's Director of Welsh Football Ian Rush said: "If it wasn't for the army of volunteers up and down the country who dedicate their free time to football then the game simply wouldn't exist. These remarkable individuals and clubs give up hundreds of hours a year to ensure that kids and adults have access to the game in safe and welcoming environments across Wales and it's important that we recognise their extraordinary efforts with these awards.

"My congratulations go to Rollin and all the winners."

To find out more about the 2013 Welsh Community Football Awards visit www.mcdonalds.co.uk/awards and follow @2013Grassroots