Margot James, MP for Stourbridge, has announced that local resident Chad Roberts has won the 2019 Grassroots Match Official of the Year award.

He will be presented with his prize on Saturday, August 4th as Premier League and FA Cup winners Manchester City take on European Champions Liverpool in the Community Shield.
 
Chad is a highly dedicated official who travels from the north of England, where he attends university, each weekend to officiate in the Stourbridge and District Youth Football League. Ms James said:
 
“I am delighted that Chad has received this prestigious award, which is testament to his hard work and dedication in giving up his free time to officiate games in Stourbridge.
 
“Grassroots football is at the heart of communities up and down the country. They teach important life skills such as camaraderie and team spirit, not to mention how beneficial it is for health and wellbeing.
 
“Without people like Chad, the grassroots game would not exist, so I would like to offer my personal congratulations and thanks to him. I am sure that he is looking forward to witnessing the two best teams in the country face each other in August.”
 
The Grassroots Football Awards, run by McDonalds, recognise and celebrate the work of individuals and groups in making a positive difference to their club, league, or local community. The awards are now in their 10th year, and McDonald’s has seen a record 4,096 nominations from across the country, recognising the great work undertaken in the grassroots football community. A spokesperson for the fast food giant said:
 
“Chad has worked tirelessly in the Stourbridge and District Youth Football League to officiate games and to encourage young people to take up refereeing.
 
“The ceremony is a chance to celebrate the fantastic contribution that Chad has made in his community, and to say a big thank you to all of the incredible volunteers that keep the grassroots game ticking.”