A CITY sporting ace has scored a national accolade.

The Walking Football Association chose Simon Forrest for the 2023 Grassroots Impairment Coach of the Year award.

Simon, 55, who is the player-coach for Worcester-based Movers and Shakers Football Club, found out about the honour earlier this week.

He said: "I am immensely proud to be the recipient of such a prestigious award, especially as Movers and Shakers was voted Impairment Club of the Year for 2022 having only being formed two years earlier as an inclusive activity for people with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions."

Since joining Movers and Shakers FC, Neuro Walking Football Worcester, only just over a year ago, 30-plus carers and associates look forward to their weekly training and playing sessions.

Simon also arranges participation in regional and national tournaments with other Parkinson’s teams.

His talents have also been recognised internationally following his appointment as the captain of the England Walking Football Team who have played in tournaments in Belfast, Singapore, Guernsey and Malta.

Simon is a vocal advocate for inclusivity, providing gentle and sensitive encouragement and guidance for players of all abilities, ages and gender.

He has recently been appointed as chairman of Neuro Walking Football Worcestershire and is championing their application to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

Simon, of Redditch, has recently taken up a position as impairment director for Worcestershire Football Association.

For more details on Movers and Shakers FC, which is based at Worcestershire FA's Claines Lane headquarters, visit www.moversandshakersfc.co.uk or email moversandshakersfc@gmail.com.