Stratford Special founder scoops Adult Coach of the Year accolade at England Football and McDonald’s Grassroots Awards
THE founder of a Stratford-based team for those with learning or physical disabilities won big at this year’s England Football and McDonald’s Grassroots Awards.
Martyn Brookhouse scooped the Birmingham County FA Adult Coach of the Year accolade at a special ceremony held at The Hawthorns, home of West Bromwich Albion, earlier this month.
The annual awards recognise and celebrate the people who put their heart and soul into the grassroots game across the country, and to say a huge thank you to volunteers who are a true inspiration.
Winners will be people who have really made a difference and can demonstrate how they make their positive impact happen.
They encourage the very best, both in themselves and in everybody around them, and they have risen to overcome challenges and they make a truly positive impact in their community.
In Brookhouse’s case, he has spent the last two decades coaching at Stratford Special.
Formed in 2001, the team has close links to Stratford Town and competes in the Sandwell Inclusion League, in which they had three teams last season.
When Stratford Special started, there was around 15 players, now there are 30 with ages ranging from children as young as eight to adults in their 50s.
Reflecting on winning the top award, Brookhouse, who has been a coach for more than 30 years, told the Herald: “I have no idea who nominated me for the award.
“I just got a phone call out the blue saying I had been shortlisted for Adult Coach of the Year.
“It was absolutely brilliant to have been nominated but I’m over the moon to have won.
“It’s a fantastic achievement for me, to have been recognised by professionals feels amazing.
“I get great satisfaction from coaching and I believe what I’m doing is making a difference to people’s lives.”
Brookhouse is now looking to attract more players to Stratford Special.
Anyone who wants to join the club should call him on 07591 127302 or e-mail brookhousebruk1@aol.com.