ENGLAND’S World Cup hat-trick hero is celebrating the unsung heroes of the beautiful game.

Sir Geoff Hurst, whose three goals in the final of the 1966 World Cup guided his nation to their only success in the tournament, has teamed up with the FA and fast food giant McDonald’s UK to launch this year’s Grassroots Football Awards.

Nominations are now open for the awards which celebrate the efforts of grassroots volunteers across the UK who go the extra mile in their local communities.

The FA spends approximately £1m every week in supporting the grassroots game, catering for the 12.3 million players across the country.

McDonald’s is a long standing supporter of grassroots football in the UK, having worked with the four UK FAs for 18 years.

The awards are supported by football legends including Sir Geoff, Sir Kenny Dalglish, Casey Stoney MBE, Martin Keown and Pat Jennings.

Speaking in his role as McDonald’s Fun Football ambassador, Sir Geoff said: “For 18 years, McDonald’s has celebrated the important roles of volunteers who dedicate hours of their own time by supporting their local grassroots football community.

“I’m always amazed each year at the personal stories I hear about these grassroots heroes and the dedication of individuals and groups across the UK who invest so much time into the game they love.

“With awards for everything from coaches, to groundsman, if you know any local heroes make sure you nominate someone deserving.”

There are a number of different categories at the awards: coach of the year, club of the year, volunteer of the year, football mum of the year and community project of the year.

Individual awards take place in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Nominations for the 2020 FA & McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards are now open. To nominate a grassroots football club or volunteer, go to www.mcdonalds.co.uk/awards and nominate somebody before the deadline of May 11.

An awards ceremony will be held at Wembley stadium.