Grassroots Heroes Celebrated at 2024 Volunteer Awards
Grassroots Heroes Celebrated at 2024 Volunteer Awards
The best of Grassroots Football were recognised and rewarded last Friday as we held our annual Volunteer Awards at Sprowston Manor Hotel.
All in attendance were welcomed to the Awards by our Chief Executive, Matt Carpenter, who hosted the evening whilst sharing the amazing stories of the award recipients. Norfolk FA Chairman, Michael Banham, presented the Awards both as Norfolk FA Chairman and a member of FA Council.
Photography: Ben Cunningham. Full album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBJx28
With over 150 nominations, categories were extremely tough to judge, and some were recognised through highly commended awards for deserving individuals who only just missed out being awarded the main prize.
A total of 35 awards were handed out by Chairman Michael Banham across three formats: The England Football Grassroots Football Awards, The FA & Norfolk FA Long Service Awards and The FA Continuous Service to Refereeing Awards.
Photography: Ben Cunningham. Full album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBJx28
Norfolk FA Chief Executive, and host on the night, Matt Carpenter said: “It was once again a privilege to be able to host this year’s Volunteer Awards which serves as an opportunity to celebrate the amazing volunteers within our local football community.
"Local football wouldn't exist as we know it without the commitment of those who love the sport. I felt privileged to stand alongside these passionate individuals, many of whom have been pillars of football in Norfolk for decades.
“My gratitude extends to all these remarkable people, for without their efforts, our community's game would not thrive. Volunteering at the grassroots level comes with its challenges, yet the rewards far outweigh this. It was a delightful evening, celebrating the well-earned achievements of these worthy winners.”
A full list of awards and winners is as follows:
The England Football Grassroots Football Awards
- Club of the Year – Aylsham FC
- Coach of the Year (Male Player Pathway) – Jason Crane
- Coach of the Year (Female Player Pathway) – Hannah Burton
- Coach of the Year (Disability Player Pathway) – Graeme Davies
- Grounds Team of the Year – David Todd
- League of the Year – Norfolk Combined Youth Football League
- Match Official of the Year – Lorraine Catchpole
- Highly commended: Ashley Hickson-Lovence
- New Volunteer of the Year – Cassie Beecroft
- Highly commended: James Langley
- Young Volunteer of the Year – Chloe Moulton
- The Lioness Award – Nicol Nicholls
- Highly commended: Norfolk Women & Girls’ League
- Keeping Football Positive Award – Gabby Evbota
- Highly commended: Jackie Price
- Highly commended: Brundall Bolts
- Bobby Moore Award – Chris Brown
Photography: Ben Cunningham. Full album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBJx28
The Norfolk FA and The FA Long Service Awards
- FA 50 Years’ Service Award – Michael McCann
- FA 50 Years’ Service Award – Terry Reeves
- FA 50 Years’ Service Award – Joe Sisto
- Club Officer or Official - 10 Years’ Service – Angus Bates – Aylsham Football Club
- Club Officer or Official - 10 Years’ Service – David Crow – Acle United Youth Football Club
- Club Officer or Official - 15 Years’ Service – Ian Potter – Aylsham Football Club
- Club Officer or Official - 15 Years’ Service - Trudi Sharred – Cringleford Juniors Football Club
- Club Officer or Official - 15 Years’ Service - Kevin Thompson – Costessey Sports Football Club
- Club Officer or Official - 25 Years’ Service – Chris Green – Wroxham Football Club
- Club Officer or Official - 25 Years’ Service – Stephen Pease – Easton Football Club
- League Officer or Official - 15 Years’ Service – Paul Emblem – Norfolk & Suffolk Youth Football League
- League Officer or Official - 25 Years’ Service – Chris McCullough – Anglian Combination League
- Match Official – 10 Years’ Service – Leon Howard
- Match Official – 10 Years’ Service - John Nickerson
- Match Official – 25 Years’ Service - David Fairhurst
- Match Official – 25 Years’ Service - Nigel Howes
- The FA Continuous Service to Refereeing Award - 25 Years – Paul Smith
- The FA Continuous Service to Refereeing Award - 40 Years – Victor Petri
Photography: Ben Cunningham. Full album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBJx28