A COACH who founded Rhyl Commandos JFC in memory of her partner has been presented with a national grassroots football award.

Sonia Fleming, who founded and coaches Rhyl Commandos JFC, was named the national winner of the prestigious Community Coach of the Year award at the 2021 FAW & McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards ceremony on Saturday, November 13 at Cardiff City Stadium.

The FAW and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards recognise and celebrate the tireless volunteers who dedicate countless hours to inspire those in the grassroots community.

CARDIFF, WALES - 13 NOVEMBER 2021: FAW McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards 2021 Ceremony ahead of the Wales & Belarus at the Cardiff City Stadium on the 13th of November 2021. (Pic by Andrew Dowling/FAW)

Football legend Robert Earnshaw. Picture:Andrew Dowling/FAW

Sonia Fleming founded Rhyl Commandos JFC in memory of her partner Michael Taylor who was killed whilst serving in Afghanistan in 2010. The couple had sons Ethan, Wesley and Charlton.

Over the years the club has gone from strength to strength with Sonia now coaching two teams which are inclusive to all abilities and open to any child who wishes to start their football journey.

Throughout lockdown Sonia, who is also the club secretary, kept her football community together by hosting weekly video call fitness sessions and regularly fundraising for local charities.

Sonia accepted her award from football legend Robert Earnshaw ahead of the Wales men’s team’s Word Cup Qualifier against Belarus in front of a full capacity crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium. During the half time break, Sonia joined the other winners on the pitch to be celebrated for their accomplishments.

Sonia said: I was shocked in the first instance and quickly realised no words could actually describe how I felt. Even when I was on the stage hearing my name being announced it suddenly clicked and I felt extremely proud, not necessarily for me but for the players, coaches, officials, parents and everyone else involved in Rhyl Commandos JFC. 

"How could you not be inspired? When every single person that’s been involved in Rhyl Commandos has made a positive difference and I am extremely proud of that."

Robert said: "It has been a really tough year for the entire grassroots football community. That’s why I’m so proud to be here in Cardiff to honour these incredible winners.

"Sonia Fleming embodies what it means to be a grassroots hero, and it’s clear to see that she’s a true role model in her community.

"The Grassroots Awards are a special occasion and a chance to show how grateful we are to the hours of dedication volunteers put in to make football what it is."

Sonia joins a long list of inspirational grassroots football heroes who have been recognised by the programme. The awards held a special significance this year, as they also celebrated those who have done exceptional things during the pandemic to support their clubs and communities.

Stewart Williams, McDonald’s Franchisee and supporter of grassroots football in Rhyl, said: “Sonia is a shining example of what it means to go the extra mile to make a difference in your community. My restaurants support several grassroots teams across North Wales, so I know first-hand just how important volunteers like Sonia are to the game. It’s always an honour to be involved with the awards and to celebrate the volunteers like Sonia who are the heart and soul of the grassroots game.

Earlier this year, Sonia braved Snowdon to mark the 11th anniversary of Michael's death.

Sonia raised money for Scotty’s Little Soldiers and Rhyl Commandos JFC through the challenge.

McDonald’s is the longest-standing supporter of grassroots football in the UK, having worked with all four home nation FAs for the past 19 years. In addition to championing local grassroots heroes, in 2021 McDonald’s celebrated providing over five million hours of free introductory coaching to 5–11-year-olds with its Fun Football programme and has vowed to commit an extra 1.5 million more hours in the next 12 months.