One of Cornwall’s brightest young volunteers was recognised with a national Grassroots Football Award on Sunday. Last weekend, Jaz Butcher of St Agnes AFC was invited to the Community Shield at Wembley to receive the national Grassroots Coach of the Year Award (Female Pathway).

Jaz Butcher coaches girls between the ages of 5 and 11 at St Agnes AFC Wildcats as well as two teams of girls moving into U12 football this season. To receive such recognition at the age of just 18 is a reflection of the hard work that Jaz puts in every week and her dedication to helping each of her players experience football in the best way possible.

“Jasmine is a fabulous role model to the Wildcats and the girls she coaches,” said Mandy Kimmins, outgoing club chair of St Agnes AFC. “She inspires everyone with her positive, inclusive and supporting manner, instilling confidence, self-belief and fun into everything she does. She followed her female playing pathway from girls’ to ladies’ football and is using her coaching skills to create opportunities for future Lionesses to follow their own pathway!”

The award ceremony took place ahead of kick-off between Arsenal and Manchester City, with Jaz rubbing shoulders with plenty of England legends at the national stadium. She was presented with her award by 93-cap former Lioness Sue Smith (above) – she also shared a dinner table with England boss Gareth Southgate and assistant Steve Holland while others such as John Barnes, Geoff Hurst, Rachel Yankey, Martin Keown and presenter Seema Jaswal were also in attendance.

“An incredible day,” said Jaz, “walking around with VIP lanyards and free access to the FA lounge where we had complementary drinks and a 3 course meal.” Other special touches included an entry into the England Football “Best of the Best” book and Jaz’s name and photo in the Community Shield matchday programme. Jaz also got to walk out onto the hallowed turf alongside her fellow winners at half-time while she also received a tour of the Wembley facilities: “Being able to walk with the male and disability pathway winners into the changing rooms, coaches’ room, pitchside and sitting on the managers chairs and subs area was an unforgettable experience.”

Jaz also got to see Geoff Hurst singing Sweet Caroline and John Barnes giving a rendition of his legendary England rap. Perhaps most spectacular was to see Wembley Stadium illuminated with her own name – a truly unforgettable experience and thoroughly deserved.

Cornwall FA is so proud of all of our Grassroots Football nominees. Jaz follows in the footsteps of Cornwall’s Liam Dart who won the national Coach of the Year Award in 2012. The fact that she has won a national award is a testament not only to her efforts but to all the brilliant work that we see being put in across the county.

“It has been fantastic working with Jaz via the Cornwall FA Youth Leadership academy,” said Matt Liddle, Cornwall FA Marketing and Communications Officer. “She has a really bright future and she should be really excited about what lies ahead. Her winning a national award really shows everyone what this small but great county is capable of.”

Mandy continues: “Everyone at St Agnes AFC is immensely proud of everything Jasmine has contributed and achieved. To receive the National Grassroots Football Coach of the Year (Female Pathway) Award is a fabulous recognition of how important, brilliant and valued she is!”