More than 100 nominations have been received in under a week for the Grassroots Football awards.
A judging panel will pick winners and highly commended nominees for each category, who will be honoured in a ceremony later this year and be in with a chance of a trip to Wembley for the national awards.
Sheffield FA’s Communications and Marketing Officer, Chris McEwan said: “It’s everybody’s chance to recognise and celebrate some of the incredible people and organisations who give up their time to make football happen.
“We are always trying to aim to get somebody recognised nationally, but I think even just achieving a local award is some achievement and we obviously try to go to massive lengths to make sure that they are celebrated and recognised.”
Over 10,000 volunteers are working in the County FA’s area including coaches, match officials, grounds teams, and more. There are thirteen awards up for grabs.
Last year’s winners, honoured in a ceremony at Hillsborough Stadium, included a retired professional refereeing junior football, a beginner grounds-person, who transformed a club’s boggy pitch, and a posthumous award for Steven Bickett, who continued to coach a team while terminally ill.
Mr McEwan said: “Stories like that are absolutely everywhere and it’s a real privilege for me to get out there and tell those stories.
“We want these awards to be a reflection of our communities, so really being diverse and recognising ethnic minorities. If you are working in football with underrepresented groups, it would be great to see them nominated.”
Hannah Chaplin is a coach and parent at Crosspool FC and highlighted how important grassroots football is for children.
“It’s absolutely massive for them. I think the biggest thing for the girls that I’ve been involved with is just the confidence they build, playing as a team, learning new skills, getting to run around outside – I think that’s super, super valuable.
“Without volunteers and dedication from people who want to improve opportunities that kids have, you couldn’t do it.”
Mr McEwan said: “Everybody knows somebody that’s out there doing something amazing in grassroots football. Whether it’s a coach, a club, a match official – this is a great way just to say thank you.”
Nominations can be submitted through this online form, which will close on 3 April.
Photo credit: Sheffield FA.