GRA

Local Grassroots Football Award Winners Named

The ten local recipients of The FA and McDonald's Grassroots Football Awards 2018 have been confirmed

The FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards 2018 - Winners confirmed

The Grassroots Football Awards, known previously as the Respect Awards, recognise and celebrate the work of individuals and groups to instill The FA’s PRIDE values – Progressive, Respectful, Inclusive, Determination and Excellent – and make a positive difference in their club, league or local community.

Following receipt of a record 2,904 nominations, The FA has worked alongside respective County FA's to select appropriate winners across 10 categories. The full list of Norfolk’s Grassroots Football Awards 2018 winners are:

  • Coach of the year: Ben Woodruff, Tasburgh United FC
  • Community project of the year: All to Play For’ – Sam Watts, Active Norfolk & Andy Fisk, Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation Trust
  • Charter Standard club of the year: Horsford FC
  • Charter Standard league of the year: The Norfolk Combined Youth Football League 
  • Grounds team of the year: Jeff Lake, Aylsham FC
  • Match Official of the year: Phil South
  • The Respect Award: Emma Hart, Dereham Saints FC 
  • Supporter of the year: Luke Wrycraft, Yaxham FC
  • Volunteer of the year: Richard Giles, Acle United FC
  • Youth volunteer of the year: Tom Rampling, Norfolk Combined Youth Football League   

Greg Clarke, Chairman of The FA, said: "It’s been fantastic to see a record number of nominations for this year’s Grassroots Football Awards and hear so many stories of dedication and commitment throughout the grassroots game. 

"The selection of winners chosen alongside Norfolk County FA represents the diverse nature of football in this country and I would like to congratulate each and every one for their inspirational work."

Michael Banham, Chairman of Norfolk County FA, said: Throughout my time at Norfolk FA, I’ve not seen such a level of desire to reward the volunteers that make our game great, and with over 100 nominations, this is the best return we’ve ever had from an awards period.

“I would like to congratulate this year’s deserving winners along with all who received nominations for their hard work and dedication to grassroots football. I hope that we can continue this next year and further highlight the commitment that so many show to Norfolk Football.”  

On 9 July, The FA’s National Panel will meet to select national winners from the pool of County FA recipients and they will be formally announced at the 2018 FA Community Shield on 5 August.

To learn more about The FA and McDonald's Grassroots Football Awards 2018, visit TheFA.com.