Polverino named Liechtenstein's best again

Wolfsberger AC midfielder Michele Polverino has retained his title as Liechtenstein's footballer of the year.

In the annual ceremony held by the Liechtenstein Football Association (LFV), the Austria-based 29-year-old beat off four nominees from FC Vaduz – Franz Burgmeier, Nicolas Hasler, Peter Jehle and Daniel Kaufmann. Receiving the award from national coach Rene Pauritsch, Polverino said: "I am delighted that people have chosen to recognise my performances for the national team and have continued to follow my club career from a distance."

Another Austrian Bundesliga player, SV Ried midfielder Sandro Wieser, was named young footballer of the year. The 21-year-old, on loan at Ried from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, has already collected more than 20 caps for Liechtenstein and although unable to attend the ceremony due to injury, was given his prize by Thomas Beck, who himself recently retired from the national team after 92 appearances.

"It makes me proud each time I get to run out for Liechtenstein and hear the national anthem, and I am just as proud today to have won the title of the best youth footballer in the country for the first time," Wieser said via a video link.

A long-time contemporary of Beck, Mario Frick, was named coach of the year. Former Seire A player Frick, 39, became player-coach of FC Balzers - where he started his career - in 2012 and last year they only lost the Liechtenstein Cup final on penalties to Vaduz and are well-placed in the fourth-tier Swiss 1. Liga classic. "I am speechless," Frick said. "I had never expected to win and I am delighted that my work is being recognised by the public." Frick accepted the award from former joint coach of the national team Erich Bürzle.

Margrit Beck-Miller was named volunteer of the year award for her long-term commitment to her local club FC Triesen.