Teenager named coach of the year at FA Grassroots Football Awards
The Crewkerne native was one of 12 winners in the disability pathway category, selected from over 12,000 nominations, and was presented with the award at the Community Shield match.
Nineteen-year-old Casey Young has been named coach of the year at the FA Grassroots Football Awards, recognising his extensive volunteer work with Bristol City Cerebral Palsy FC. Young, who has cerebral palsy, trains players aged five and over twice a week in Brislington and Bristol, maintaining a perfect attendance record despite undergoing major surgeries.
Young was one of 12 recipients of the coach of the year award in the disability pathway category. He was selected from a pool of more than 12,000 nominations, with the award officially presented to him on Sunday at the Community Shield match between Arsenal and Manchester City.
During the event, Young joined 11 other award winners to form a guard of honour ahead of kick-off. The 19-year-old, who is from Crewkerne, Somerset, described his reaction to the news as one of shock and disbelief, noting that the nomination itself had been a significant source of excitement.
The award highlights the community-focused nature of the team Young coaches. He emphasised that the "family and community" aspect of the group is what sustains his motivation, citing shared struggles and success stories among the players. Young travels an hour each way to facilitate these sessions, prioritising the development of confidence and respect alongside football skills.
The recognition follows a family history with the accolade, as Young’s father, Bob Young, won the same award three years ago. Bob Young stated that his son has always aimed to help children with cerebral palsy improve their lives and understanding of the game, teaching values that extend beyond athletic performance.
The Football Association’s Grassroots Football Awards continue to highlight outstanding contributions to the sport at the local level. Cerebral palsy, a group of lifelong conditions affecting movement and coordination, impacts the players Young works with, making his consistent volunteerism a notable achievement within the disability pathway.
