ELSA Jones, of Hanwell Town FC, is among the national winners of the annual FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards. She is named 2020 Rising Star of the Year.
The awards celebrate the efforts of volunteers across England who go the extra mile to support their communities.
Teenager Elsa was chosen as she does so much, going above and beyond for her club and community. She is the U18s matchday physio but also does the gate at every home game.
She devised an initiative to create a half-price season ticket offer which helped grow attendances by 22% over the course of the season. She also helped to raise £2,500 for charities present at games.
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Away from matchday, Elsa runs Hanwell Town’s social media accounts and, when the season ended abruptly due to the pandemic, took the time to write personalised messages to elderly fans.
Former Lionesses and Arsenal player Rachel Yankey, who sent a surprise message to Elsa as part of her award, said: “She should be extremely proud of her work. Grassroots football in Ealing is in a much better place with her being a part of it.”
McDonald’s franchisee Atul Pathak, an avid supporter of grassroots football in the borough, said: “Elsa’s dedication to her club and community is really impressive and her story highlights the difference volunteers can make.”
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