NEWPORT County AFC youth team coach Danny Elliott has been named performance coach of the year in the Gwent section of the Welsh Community Football Awards, presented by McDonald's.

The awards recognise and celebrate those coaches, volunteers, clubs and leagues, across Wales who dedicate their time to grassroots football in their local community.

"I'm very proud to win the award," said Elliott, who coaches young players aged 12 to 18 at the club's academy.

"We have some very talented players here and I enjoy coaching them."

McDonald's head of Welsh Football Ian Rush, said: "These awards help us, each year, to recognise those at the very heart of the game. The true champions of football in Wales.

"Without the energy, enthusiasm and continued dedication of these unsung heroes, grassroots football in so many communities would not exist.

"Everyone starts at grassroots level, it's where I learned the basic skills and without the commitment from coaches and volunteers I wouldn't have had a stepping stone into the professional game.

"It is fantastic that McDonald's and the FAW recognise those that provide football to thousands across the country."

Elliott is keen to encourage County fans to support the club's youth teams.

He said: "We'd like to get more fans to come along and support the boys and see possible stars of the future."

The County under-18s take on Swindon Town at Spytty Park this Saturday at 11am and entry is just £3.

They then play their FAW Youth Cup first round match against Aberbargoed Buds on Wednesday at 7pm, also at Spytty Park.

There will be free entry for County season ticket holders as well as under-16s and senior citizens.

The under-18s beat Dorchester 5-3 last Saturday in the South East Counties League and there were also wins for the under-16s and the under-14s.

Meanwhile, Newport County Supporters Club presented a cheque for £5,000 to the club before last Saturday's home match against Morecambe.

The donation has already been used to help fund redevelopment of the pitch at Rodney Parade.

Chairman Les Scadding and director Howard Greenhaf accepted the cheque on Saturday and were keen to praise the work undertaken by the Supporters Club.