A COVETED national accolade has been given to a junior football league in which hundreds of Gwynedd youngsters play.

The Llyn and Eifionydd Junior League has been named as junior league of the year in the McDonald's FAW Grassroots Football Awards.

Due to the passion and drive of those involved, the league continues to operate and thrive by providing football for about 800 children between the ages of six and 16.

The league ensures clubs have the facilities to play on throughout the year and has forged ties with the nearby Gwyrfai League to set up an inter-league competition for the under-16 age group to secure more matches.

It has been proactive in promoting the Respect campaign by purchasing relevant signage to remind parents to respect match officials, coaches and opposing teams.

The league is committed to ensuring junior football thrives in the region.

Neil Ward, chief executive of the FAW Trust, said: “It’s always so humbling to find out all about the efforts of our community football champions in Wales.

"There are more children and young people playing football than ever before and, for that, we must applaud the hundreds of grassroots heroes who are on sidelines, come rain or shine, every single week, giving up their free time."