Unsung heroes of grassroots football celebrated at prestigious Staffordshire FA awards
Unsung heroes of grassroots football across Staffordshire were celebrated at a prestigious awards ceremony held at the home of England football last week.
The Staffordshire FA recognised the volunteers, clubs, and organisations working tirelessly behind the scenes across the county at its annual Grassroots Football Awards, hosted at St George’s Park last Friday.
Amongst the winners was Chasetown FC’s Chris Price, who won the Coach of the Year - Disability Pathway award in recognition of his outstanding work to grow disability football at the club.
The club’s disability section began with just two players, but under Chris’ leadership it now boasts more than 30 participants and several teams.
“I am really proud,” said Chris. “It’s a big achievement, not just for me, but the club as well.
“It is really nice to be appreciated for the work I have put in, but I think it reflects the hard work that the whole team has put in, the club, coaches, players and parents.
“It has been amazing to see the progress. It backs up the need to have a disability programme. Each person that comes is another who might not have had the opportunity before.”
Chasetown enjoyed further success as the club’s youth section was named Club of the Year.
Meanwhile, Amber Akers and Kate Poyser, coaches at Brereton Social, received the Lioness Award for their significant impact on girls’ football.
Katie Crowsley won Female Coach of the Year for her inspirational work with Wyrley Juniors and at the Walsall FC Academy.
Ellie Harris, a referee with the Walsall Junior Youth League, was named Match Official of the Year, while the Staffordshire Junior Youth League received the League of the Year award.
Mitchell Smith, 19, who juggles university, a part-time job, refereeing, and coaching at Lane Head and Wyrley Juniors, was honoured with the Young Volunteer of the Year award.
The Castlecroft Rangers Lionesses were also recognised, receiving the Positive Behaviour award.
Adam Evans, CEO of the Staffordshire FA said: “It’s superb to celebrate everyone, it is the highlight of the year for us.
“To be able to celebrate the fantastic work that everybody does, week in week out, which enables the game in Staffordshire to take place.
“The impact that these people have on other people’s lives, and enabling them to play the game that we love in a safe environment, is just immeasurable.”
Matt Hancock, Chair of the Staffordshire FA Board, added: “You see so much positivity and hear so many amazing stories that makes you proud to be a part of Staffordshire.
“It’s humbling and rewarding to be a part of. There are a lot of not so good things in life at the moment, but the awards have been so uplifting because everything was about what is great about our communities.
“So many clubs are making a huge difference to so many people’s lives.”
