Two grassroots volunteers from Donegal have been recognised at a ceremony at the Aviva Stadium for their services to Irish football.
John Keys, who is Club Inclusion Officer with Letterkenny Rovers and Danny McLaughlin, Head of Coaching Committee with Mulroy Soccer Academy were among twenty volunteers honoured.
A newly-established FAI Volunteer Recognition Programme was created to acknowledge the passion and dedication that so many volunteers give to grassroots football
While the Programme is intended to be open to all volunteers who make vital contributions, the initial ceremony was exclusively for those involved with FAI Club Mark-accredited One Star and Two Star clubs.
As part of National Volunteer Week, the group of 20 were invited to the International Friendly between Ireland and Qatar in the Aviva Stadium, where they were rewarded for their commitment to helping others and elevating standards within Irish football.
FAI President Paul Cooke said: “Irish football simply would not be as strong without volunteers; they are the lifeblood of our game. So, it is hugely important to recognise the lengths that so many volunteers go to at their local clubs just to make a positive impact.
“Grassroots football relies on volunteers across a number of different roles and what is so special about the people who take up these responsibilities is that they don’t ask for anything in return, they just want to help others succeed. This is what makes our game so special and why we should never underestimate the role of a volunteer.”