Grassroots football hero Paul Flitney, of Ross Juniors Football Club, has been named the winner of the West Midland's Volunteer of the Year Award category, in the 2013 FA Community Awards.

After scooping the regional award, Paul, along with the other volunteers nominated from across the country, will head to the national awards at a prestigious ceremony, to be attended by legends of the game at Wembley ahead of the FA Community Shield match between Manchester United and Wigan, on August 11th.

Paul, 39, a recruitment manager at PGL, said: "This is wonderful news for Ross Juniors Football Club. It is an award for all of the Juniors' coaches. It is recognition, not just of my efforts but, of everyone's effort including parents and volunteers."

Paul has dedicated the last five years to coordinating junior football at Ross Juniors FC. Thanks to his commitment the junior section is thriving and now boasts over 10 teams and 300 members. The girls section has particularly benefited from Paul's enthusiasm, and thanks to a plan devised between the Herefordshire FA and Paul, the club now offers football to four age groups ranging from under 8s to under 14s with plans to expand further.

For the full story please see this week's Ross Gazette.