Kick It Out’s Troy Townsend, has been named as one of The Football Association’s 150 grassroots heroes.
Townsend ,who works as Mentoring and Leadership Project Manager at Kick It Out, will receive a medal from HRH The Duke of Cambridge and The FA President, Prince William, at Buckingham Palace on 7 October in recognition of his work.
“I feel so proud to have been recognised in this way,” said the former non league coach who also leads on equality & diversity sessions delivered to apprentice players throughout the Football League.
“There are many people who work, often for free, for the love of the game and for me to be included as one of the 150 grassroots heroes is incredibly humbling.
“Grassroots football is a real passion of mine. I have had the pleasure of coaching a number of players who have gone onto make a career in the professional game and at non league level. There’s nothing better than playing an active role in the development of a young footballer and then seeing them go onto achieve great things.”
Lord Herman Ouseley, chair of Kick It Out, added:
“It is an award that is thoroughly deserved.
“The amount of work Troy has put in for both Kick It Out and other projects has been nothing short of exceptional. I have witnessed first-hand how he can inspire and motivate young people, and I am thrilled that he is getting the rewards for his selfless work.”
