It's this combination of drive, coaching aptitude and warm personality that makes Lizzie such a role model for her peers, and such a deserving winner of this prestigious award.

- FA Judges Panel

Pride Park’s Lizzie Pacey was named the FA’s National Grassroots Coach of the Year at the 2019 McDonalds Grassroots Football Awards at Wembley on Sunday.

The winners were announced ahead of the Community Shield at Wembley, with Lizzie being presented with her award by Chelsea and England goalkeeper, Carly Telford, before heading pitchside at half time to be presented to the Community Shield crowd by Sir Geoff Hurst, one of England’s 1966 World Cup winners.

Lizzie has already been named Derbyshire FA Grassroots Coach of the Year, and collected that award at Derbyshire FA’s Grassroots Awards at Pride Park on Friday night.

The awards are testament to Lizzie’s commitment to developing herself as a coach, her dedication and perseverance, in particular with the work she has done along with our other coaches and volunteers in establishing our Wildcats Centre.

Here’s what the judging panel had to say:

Grassroots coach of the year - Lizzie Pacey, Pride Park FC, Derbyshire FA
“Lizzie is a remarkable coach, a person who continues to go above and beyond as standard. In helping to establish an SSE Wildcats centre at her club Pride Park FC, she was committed to providing regular football for girls aged 5-11. When the initiative struggled, she fought for its relevance and has made it a success. Lizzie combined this with coaching both male and female school U13 teams and will coach Pride Park’s U11 team next season having previously coached the U17s.

More important still is the example she sets. Players of different backgrounds and abilities never faze her; she has excellent relationships with all and prides herself on guiding and mentoring those who come into contact with her.

It's this combination of drive, coaching aptitude and warm personality that makes Lizzie such a role model for her peers, and such a deserving winner of this prestigious award. By being approachable, engaging, fun-loving and loyal, Lizzie has maximised her opportunity to inspire both young players and everyone fortunate enough to be coached by her.”

The FA’s Awards presentation video with footage of Lizzie and our Wildcats in action can be viewed HERE

It’s a tremendous accolade and one which Lizzie can be justifiably proud of - we’re delighted for her, and proud that she has had this well deserved recognition; well done Lizzie!