COLEEN Rooney, mother of one of the UK’s most famous footballing households, is calling for people across Wales to nominate a deserving ‘football mum’ for the 2017 McDonald’s Football Mum of the Year Award.

Coleen will be joined by Wales and Yeovil Town striker, Helen Ward, who is now in second year of supporting the award, looking for mums who go above and beyond so their children can experience the enjoyment of playing football, week-in-week-out.

Introduced in 2015, the McDonald’s Football Mum of the Year Award aims to celebrate the critical role mums play in keeping the grassroots game going, by selflessly dedicating countless hours of their spare time – often while juggling work and childcare commitments – to all aspects of the game.

It is looking to recognise football mums who are leading by example; qualifying as coaches, managing the club finances, helping to run their child’s local team or even starting a local team simply so their children and their friends can play.

McDonald’s Football Mum of the Year ambassador Coleen Rooney, said, “It’s brilliant to be a part of this amazing campaign for the third year running. I get to hear so many inspirational stories of mums across the UK doing incredible things to keep kids playing football.

“I love the stories I’ve heard in previous years from mums who have taken on official roles including becoming a coach or club secretary, setting up their own girls’ team, running whole football leagues or organising kit and equipment.

“Obviously, football plays a huge part in our home so I know the effort needed just to get youngsters organised and to training on time. I have so much respect for these mums who are taking their involvement in football to another level all to help the game.”

TV presenter Jacqui Oatley, McDonald’s Head of Women’s and Girl’s Football Casey Stoney and Helen Ward, who has 70 caps for Wales, are also part of the judging panel once again this year.

“Women’s football has grown massively over the past ten years and we have seen a huge increase in the number of girls playing the game, which is in no part down to these mums who are so dedicated to the game,” said Helen. “I’m looking forward to seeing all of the inspirational stories.”

Nominations for the McDonald’s Football Mum of the Year Award open on Wednesday, March 15 and will close on Sunday, April 30. To nominate now go to www.mcdonalds.co.uk/awards.

Coleen Rooney will present the UK winner of the 2017 McDonald’s Football Mum of the Year Award at a special ceremony, ahead of the Community Shield, at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, August 6, 2017.