Unsung heroes take centre stage at awards night
Staffordshire FA’s grassroots heroes were honoured at the Community Awards at Stoke’s Bet365 stadium, writes Jack Groom.
A total of 15 awards were given to clubs, representatives and leagues of the local area, celebrating their achievements from the past 12 months.
More than 40 volunteers attending the event which aims to recognise and praise those who go the extra mile for their club.
The FA Charter Standard Community Club Award was picked up by Wyrley Juniors, while the Walsall Junior Youth League won the FA Charter Standard League Award, with both also successful in their respective categories on a regional scale
The Coach of the Year gong was received by Bilbrook Juniors’ Mark Smith Park, with Paige Snape (Chasetown FC) awarded the Young Volunteer of the Year prize. The Staffordshire Ladies Over 30s League was also winners, as the Best Inclusive Project.
Bilston Town CFC’s Denise Frankham was highly commended for the People’s Choice Award for Outstanding Contribution to Community Football, and Chris Burton, from Hawkins Sports FC, was also recognised for the FA Groundsman of the Year at Step 7 or Below. Additionally, the Staffordshire County Senior League were also applauded for the FA Charter Standard League Award.
Staffordshire FA chief executive officer Adam Evans was delighted to be able to appreciate the work of those who gave up their time, and felt the awards night was a great opportunity to give something back to the people who kept grassroots football running strong.
“I think it is fantastic that we as a County FA are able to bring together a host of people from across the grassroots workforce in order to celebrate and reward some of the inspirational work that has taken place over the last season,” Evans said.
“It gives us the opportunity to say thank you to those people who make a difference to football in their local community and who dedicate their time to developing grassroots football. It was great to be able to reward clubs, leagues and volunteers from across the county for their hard work and continued dedication to the game.
“Volunteers form the backbone of everything that we do and all of the nominees are a credit to the game in Staffordshire and their respective clubs or leagues.”
