Youth football coach Anthony nets award

Anthony Madden Manchester FA Grassroots Award winner Young Volunteer of the Year. Pictured here at Chadderton FC at Soccer School.

A TEENAGER who dreams of coaching professionally has landed his greatest achievement yet.

Anthony Madden (18) was presented with a grassroots sports award by Manchester Football Association for his voluntary work.

The former student was awarded Young Volunteer of the Year for his commitment to coaching young people in Chadderton.

Primary school coach Anthony said: "Winning the award was a very special moment for me, probably the proudest moment of my life, and my biggest achievement so far."

Keen footballer Anthony gives up his spare time every Sunday to teach children aged between four and six at Chadderton FC Juniors' soccer school.

The dedicated teen travels from his home in Salford to the ARK Fleetech Stadium, arriving at 10am for set-up and staying after practice to pack down.

Chairman Peter Hamilton said: "We are extremely proud of Anthony and the work he does week in week out at our soccer school.

"As a club we are keen to mentor and develop our young coaches and this award is justified acknowledgement of Anthony's commitment."

Anthony contacted Chadderton FC Juniors two years ago to ask for coaching experience.

He said: "I couldn't be any more grateful to Chadderton FC Juniors who took me on board. The most enjoyable part is that you can have great fun coaching the children.

"I plan to continue coaching for as long as I can and my long-term ambition is to coach or manage professionally.

"To achieve this would be a dream come true."

Mr Hamilton praised Anthony for overcoming language barriers in his role and for inspiring the young generation through his coaching methods.

Having recently completed his Level One course, Mr Hamilton said Anthony brings "new ideas and confidence" as he delivers the sessions.

The FA Level 1 is an introduction to coaching and working with players from under-sevens through to open age.

Mr Hamilton said: "Anthony is never fazed, he is patient, caring and has endless enthusiasm."

The teen volunteer was presented with the award on Thursday, October 6 at Manchester FA Grassroots Awards ceremony, at the Worsley Park Marriott.

Anthony added: "I'd like to thank Chadderton FC Juniors for the opportunity they provided me with.

"I'll always be thankful for what they have done for me."

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