Winners of the 2016 FA Community Awards presented by McDonald’s have been announced. The grassroots champions across seven categories will be honoured at a special ceremony ahead of the FA Community Shield on August 7.
There is a 400,000 strong volunteer workforce in grassroots football and the Awards serve as a platform to highlight some of the finest examples of endeavour and selfless dedication in the sport.
As ever, the selection panel was inundated with hundreds of nominations and unearthed some amazing stories. Members of the public also got a chance to have their say by voting for shortlisted finalists for the People’s Choice Award, the winner of which will be unveiled on the day.
Among those handing out awards at Wembley will be Sir Geoff Hurst. The 1966 World Cup winner said: “The task of selecting the winners gets harder each year as more and more examples emerge of the passion and dedication shown. So I salute all the leagues, clubs and individuals who make a massive contribution to football and commend the winners who have demonstrated a willingness to go that extra mile to make a real difference.”
Kelly Simmons, the FA’s Director of Participation and Development said: “Volunteers and clubs like these are what keep the grassroots game alive. Their efforts give children and adults of all abilities the opportunity to enjoy and participate in a safe environment, and without them the game we know and love couldn’t exist.”
The winners in the six named categories are:
FA Charter Standard Club – Alpha United Juniors, Bradford
Alpha United was recognised for the positive affect that it has had the local community in presenting opportunities for young people in an area of urban depravation and high crime. The club is based in the heart of a multicultural community and has served as a perfect platform to bridge the cultural divide through the unifying force of football.
FA Charter Standard Community Club – Foots Cray Lions, Sidcup, Kent
Foots Cray Lions has grown to a club featuring 30 teams (including five girls teams). The club’s ethos is centred on the participation, enjoyment and development of children and young people in football and it has gone from strength to strength. The 2015/16 season saw Foots Cray team up an FA Mentor to help promote the Club ethos among its teams.
Charter Standard Development Club – Gedling Southbank FC, Nottinghamshire
Gedling Southbank FC runs over 30 teams featuring 400 players supported by 100 volunteers. It provides junior boys and girls sections, boys and girls youth sections, a senior men’s section which includes a veteran’s team and within the next two years will create its first ladies team as our U16 girls’ progress. The club is also looking to re-establish a disability team in the coming year and has been a major charity fundraiser in the local community.
The FA Charter Standard League – Surrey Football for All
The Surrey Football for All League provides both friendly and competitive inclusive football to disabled children or adults. It has grown year by year since its inception in 2008, when it had five teams, to currently being home to 45 registered teams, providing football on its match days to up to 400 disabled participants. The league are also pro-active in supporting its volunteer workforce, providing bursaries for coach education, workshops and welfare courses to increase knowledge of supporting disabled children and vulnerable adults.
Young Volunteer of the Year – Peter Harding, Surrey
Peter through is work win Wandgas FC is passionate about encouraging young people with disabilities to play football. He volunteers his time every Saturday morning and is part of the Surrey FA Football Futures Leadership & Volunteering Programme. He is also Chairperson of the Youth Forum where he leads meetings and plans events with other likeminded young leaders from around Surrey. He has recently created his own charity called ‘Why Can’t We’ which aims to increase awareness of Disability Sport.
Volunteer of the Year – Lindsay Carrington, Chester
In the four years Lindsay has been in the role of Club Secretary, at Upton JFC, player numbers from U6 to U18 have topped the 400 mark, representing a 50 per cent increase and making the club the biggest Junior Football Club in Chester. Lindsay is involved in player registration, club finance, coaching and heads up fundraising activities. She has forged excellent links with the local Authority, Parish Council, and Chester University amongst others – a great embodiment of what a Community Club represents.
Grassroots would like to congratulate the winners on their fantastic achievement and also all grassroots volunteers who do an outstanding job day in, day out.
