Shropshire football volunteer Michael invited to Buckingham Palace match
A dedicated volunteer who has devoted years of his life to supporting grassroots junior football has been invited to the first ever match at Buckingham Palace.
Michael Ost from Market Drayton is one of 150 volunteers from across Britain who have been invited to the match on October 7 to recognise their outstanding contribution to the game.
Mr Ost, who has been club secretary of Market Drayton Tigers for the past 12 years, will also be presented with an FA150 Grassroots Hero award in recognition of his efforts.
The match between the amateur Civil Service FC and Polytechnic FC sides has been organised by the Duke of Cambridge to commemorate 150 years of the Football Association. Prince William will host the event with FA chairman Greg Dyke.
It comes just two months after Mr Ost was presented with an outstanding contribution award at the Shropshire FA awards, which was fronted by England legend Sir Geoff Hurst at Shrewsbury Town's Greenhous Meadow.
Alongside his secretarial work, Mr Ost was given the award for supporting Tigers teams home or away come rain or shine, every Sunday while sporting his trademark green and white scarf. The club now has 18 sides with teams for both boys and girls aged eight to 21.
Mr Ost today said: "I am thrilled to be going to the palace. The invitation arrived in the post and I was absolutely shocked, it's wonderful to have been thought of.
"The day is going to be very exciting. There will be a welcome from Greg Dyke and then William is going to do a talk. I'm then going to get my award and have my photograph taken before sitting down and having a nice lunch.
"I then get to watch the game in the palace grounds which is very exciting.
"I'm going to take my wife Anne. We've already booked a hotel for the night before because it starts quite early."
