FORMER England and Tottenham Hotspur defender Ledley King presented mementoes as the Essex County FA proudly welcomed volunteers, coaches, referees, clubs, leagues, partners and community football champions to Colchester United FC on Friday 5th June for their annual Awards Evening.
The event was a special celebration to recognise the people who make football happen around the county every week, bringing together representatives from across the grassroots game to honour outstanding contributions to Essex football. It shined a spotlight on the dedication, enthusiasm and commitment which helps thousands of players to enjoy the game in local communities.
Guests were treated to an inspiring evening of recognition and reflection, and legendary Premier League player King shared stories from his distinguished playing career whilst offering valuable insights on leadership, teamwork and personal development. He was keen to emphasise the importance of grassroots football, role models and volunteers in his own journey.
He commented: “I remember joining my first grassroots team at probably seven or eight years old, and the first thing I remember was just loving the fact that I was part of a team, part of a group that trained together, that got on so well and kind of grew together. I loved my grassroots time. It’s something that I was lucky enough to be able to do for five or six years. I always think it’s really, really important – the grounding of young boys and girls in grassroots football.”
“I was lucky enough to have some very good coaches at Senrab. It was actually five of us that went on to become Premier League players. Then, of course, your parents, and what they instilled into you as well. Just having the right people around you at an early age can make a huge difference. My message would be to keep doing the great work that you’re doing. You’re making a huge difference to people’s lives and bringing people together.”
A key part of the evening was the presentation of Long Service Awards, recognising individuals who have dedicated 20, 30 and even 40 years of service to grassroots football. Their commitment has helped to create opportunities for generations of players, coaches, referees and volunteers throughout Essex.
The evening also celebrated the achievements of the Essex County FA Youth Forum, recognising the young volunteers who are helping to shape the future of football across the county through their ideas, expertise and leadership. Awards were presented across three major categories:
Volunteering in Football and Refereeing Awards: celebrating individuals reaching significant milestones of 20, 30 and 40 years of service
Provider of the Year Awards: recognising organisations delivering exceptional recreational opportunities through programmes including Wildcats, Squad Girls, Comets and Just Play
Grassroots Football Awards presented by Howdens: where more than 300 nominations were received across twelve categories, recognising outstanding contributions from coaches, referees, volunteers, clubs and leagues
The evening concluded with a celebration of all nominees, finalists and winners, reflecting the strength, diversity and dedication of the grassroots community. The event also featured a charity raffle for event supporters Hospital Radio Chelmsford, with generous prize donations from local partners, including a signed Sir Geoff Hurst shirt provided by GoCardless.
Speaking after the event, Lana Gillard, Volunteer Development Officer at the Essex County FA, explained: “The time, energy and dedication that thousands of volunteers give to the game is immeasurable. It’s important to celebrate and thank those individuals who are truly making a difference to the grassroots game in our county.”
“Our Awards Evening is one of the highlights of the local football calendar because it provides an opportunity to recognise the incredible people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make football possible. Every nominee, finalist and winner should be immensely proud of the positive impact they have on communities across the county.”
The Essex County FA would like to thank everyone who attended, the partners for their continued support, and every volunteer, coach, referee and club official who gives their time to help football thrive across the county. To learn more about volunteering opportunities in local football, visit www.essexfa.com and follow the Essex County FA on social media.
AWARD OF MERIT (40 Years)
Dawn Barnard MBE (Essex County Women’s League)
Kim Farmer (Colchester City Girls FC, Essex County Girls’ League)
Paul Blackwell (Essex County Girls’ League, Island Girls FC, Southend Junior League, Canvey Island YFC)
Martin Smith (Chelmsford Sunday League)
Ivan Senter (Stanway Rovers FC)
OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD (30 Years)
Geoff Brazier (Essex County FA, Three Elms FC, Chelmsford Sunday League)
Roy Hedger (Roydon FC)
Ronnie Docherty (Earls Hall United FC)
Fran Galliano (Earls Hall United FC)
Kevin Lorkins (ProKit UK Essex Olympian League, Hutton FC)
James Robinson (Dagenham United FC)
EXEMPLARY SERVICE AWARD (20 Years)
Laurence Bough (Brentwood Community Football Alliance)
Mark Davidson (Brentwood Community Football Alliance)
Adrian Arnot (Colchester Referees Association)
Andy Jones (Braintree Youth FC)
Bob Blake (Uplands Rangers FC)
Clive Lodge (Wickford Town FC)
Dave Wareham (Springfield FC)
Gordon Webb (Referee)
Greg Coe (Essex County Girls’ League)
Ian Daldry (Colchester City Girls FC)
Ivan Robb (Referee)
James Masson (Southend Referees Association)
Lee Upton (Tilbury FC)
Paul Beales (Stanway Villa FC)
Roger Stapleton (Maldon & Tiptree FC) (Posthumous)
Sharon Mills (Great Bradfords FC)
Simon Lewis (Referee)
Tania Livermore (Galleywood YFC)
RECREATIONAL PROGRAMME PROVIDER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Wildcats Provider of the Year: FC Redwing
Squad Girls Provider of the Year: Storm Athletic FC
FA Just Play (Male) Provider of the Year: Tigers JFC
FA Just Play (Disability) Provider of the Year: USP College
FA Just Play (Female) Provider of the Year: Flitch United FC
Comets Provider of the Year: Tigers JFC
ENGLAND FOOTBALL GRASSROOTS AWARDS
Coach of the Year (Male Pathway): Jonathan Bennett (Elmden Rovers YFC), Highly Commended: Ash Reed (Torquespeed YFC)
Coach of the Year (Female Pathway): Amelia Sagnella (Stanway Rovers Girls FC, Female Futsal Essex), Highly Commended: Lorna Boyle (Broomfield Girls FC)
Coach of the Year (Disability Pathway): Gary Clark (Billericay Town Soccability FC)
Club of the Year: Galleywood Youth FC
League of the Year: ProKit UK Essex Olympian League
Young Volunteer: Lincoln (Hashtag United FC), Highly Commended: Finley (Paringdon Youth FC)
Positive Behaviour Award: Sceptre Sunday League
Lioness Award: Jamie Wright (Chigwell FC)
Match Official: David Dice
Grounds Team of the Year: Burnham Ramblers FC, Highly Commended: Mark Lee (Collier Row FC)
New Volunteer of the Year: Kellie Wright (Brentwood Girls AFC), Highly Commended: Charlie Sanders (Sceptre Sunday League)
Bobby Moore Award: Lisa Di Palma (Tigers JFC, Echo Junior League) (Posthumous), Highly Commended: Stuart Harwood (Beacon Hill Rovers FC)
