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Caerphilly Castle Ladies and Girls FC’s Bethan Bushen has been crowned community coach of the year at the Football Association of Wales’ (FAW) Grassroots Football Awards.

Bushen has been at the club for 15 years, where she started as a player. Now a coach of the under-11s and first team, Bushen has been recognised for her efforts in growing both the club and female game.

The national award is considered the only FAW event to recognise grassroots football, something which Bushen has been an integral part of.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer about her success, she said: “Initially I was put up for the regional award in April this year and was happy to even be shortlisted.

“There were over 700 entries and when I found out I’d won the south Wales regional award I was shocked.”

After winning that, Bushen was then shortlisted for community coach of the year at the Grassroots Football Awards, which was held in Parkgate Hotel, Cardiff, on Saturday September 30.

“It was a brilliant night and to be surrounded by so many wonderful people who do so much for football in Wales was a real privilege.

“To win the award though was amazing. I still can’t believe it.”

Caerphilly Castle Ladies and Girls FC have been incredibly active in the community, with the club’s 25th anniversary approaching in December.

They have dozens of players across multiple age groups, and are looking to expand that with an U8s and U11s section soon.

On the club, coach Bushen said: “It’s been going really well. Recently we had Wales manager Gemma Grainger come to visit the girls which was crazy. They all found her very inspiring and she was so down to earth.

“We’ve also had a few sessions testing out walking football and hope to have a side ready to play regularly soon.

“Our ultimate goal as a club is to find somewhere to call home. We currently play behind the castle and hope to turn it into a proper ground one day.”