STOURBRIDGE referee Chad Roberts has been named winner of the prestigious Grassroots Match Official of the Year award.

Roberts collected the honour at 2019 FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards' national ceremony, held at Wembley Stadium, on Sunday, August 4.

The awards recognise and celebrate the tireless volunteers who dedicate so much time to the grassroots game. The awards are now in their 10th year and Roberts joins a long list of inspirational grassroots football heroes who marched down Wembley way to collect their coveted awards.

At just 19, he is more than simply a referee and referee’s support officer, he also prides himself on going above and beyond his duties. He sees the opportunity to help and guide others to ensure that the level of refereeing is as high as possible in the Stourbridge and District Youth Football League.

He gives up his time to speak to referees - young and old - about any concerns they may have, set up an assistant referees’ workshop to give guidance to parents running the line and offers crucial advice to those considering taking up the role..

Roberts accepted his award from former footballer Martin Keown ahead of The FA Community Shield, which saw Premier League and Emirates FA Cup champions Manchester City defeat Champions League winners Liverpool.

During the half time break, Roberts joined World Cup hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst on the pitch in front of 77,000 fans.

Hurst said: “I have been involved with the Grassroots Awards since the beginning and the stories of the winners never fail to impress me. Chad should be extremely proud of his work and grassroots football in Stourbridge is a much better place with Chad a part of it."

To find out more about all of the 2019 FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Award winners, visit thefa.com/get-involved/grassroots-football-awards/winners