Local Grassroots Hero is Honored by HRH Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace.

Some of you might be familiar with Andy Russell from Football 1st Coaching Courses and also he is the Youth Development Officer at Winchmore Hill FC. He was in the local papers a few months back as he had just won the Outstanding Contribution to Community Football Award from the FA.
From these nominations HRH the Duke of Cambridge Prince William selected Andy to attend a special award presentation together with 149 Grassroots Heroes at Buckingham Palace on the 7th Oct. This is to celebrate the FA's 150 years and in recognition honour their dedication and time mentoring and developing our youth in the community. Andy's most emotional moment was when in his speech Prince William mentioned how many people's lives each and one of you have touched. I knew then It was an honour to be included in the 150 and a day I will never forget.

Andy Russell has always been a constant inspiration and valuable mentor to everyone at Winchmore Hill Football Club, where since 1999 he has occupied a variety or roles from senior team manager, head of football youth development and head of community development. He has built youth football into something special, by forming Football 1st Coaching Courses and has managed to create an environment where young players can play and thrive. He has been a sports tutor in Redbridge College since 2002, encouraging hundreds of students to start as volunteers and helping them to become qualified coaches and managers.