Football: Whitworth Valley coach George Penlington shortlisted for Grassroots Coach of the Year

George Penlington, Whitworth Valley coach, has been shortlisted for Grassroots Coach of the Year

Whitworth Valley FC coach George Penlington has been shortlisted for the Grassroots Coach of the Year award at the inaugural Lancashire FA Awards 2019.

George won double trophies at the club’s recent yearly presentation for Manager’s Manager and also the Clutterbuck trophy, which is awarded each year for outstanding achievements.

He has been coaching his Whitworth Valley team for 10 years since they were under sixes, with many of his original team players still with him. 

In May this year, George's U15s team were named double champion winners, winning the league and the Under 15s Division 1 Divisional Cup.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/4/sport-news/127729/football-whitworth-valley-under-15s-double-champions-2018-19

After the cup final, George went back to Whitworth Valley to watch the first team game and saved a spectator’s life – the grandad of a player – who collapsed during a heated game. George administered emergency first aid, giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until an ambulance arrived.

George has met with the gentleman afterwards and was told that his actions saved his life and he and his family were extremely grateful for his quick actions.

The nomination for the Grassroots Coach of the Year award is for a combination of length of service, during which time he has hardly ever missed a training session and never a game, an extraordinarily successful season winning both the league and cup final, plus his heroic actions.

The 2019 Football Awards will take place at the University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday 31 August. 

A total of 15 awards will be given out on the night.