National Grassroots Football Award winners celebrated at Wembley
Winners of the 2024 England Football Grassroots Football Awards were recognised and celebrated at the Community Shield fixture between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 10 August 2024.
The England Football Grassroots Football Awards demonstrate the amazing passion, talent and dedication of every volunteer in the England Football Family, with nominations submitted annually to celebrate the fantastic individuals who put their heart and soul into the grassroots game across England.
On a day when Manchester City avenged Wembley heartbreak from three months prior to overcome Manchester United on penalties to win the Community Shield, the day provided an opportunity to recognise our exceptional winners while celebrating and thanking all of the incredible volunteers who inspire us all.
Here are your 2024 winners! Meet the volunteers who’ve been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the grassroots game.
Female Coach of the Year
Vicki Ashman (Nottinghamshire FA)
Loud, proud and always positive, well-being warrior Vicki has a simple message: for girls to have fun, make friends and play football. As coach to the U16 Lightning squad for seven years, Vicki is a big advocate for her girls’ development. Vicki takes younger coaches under her wing, and even arranges games so six young referees in her squad can referee and play on the same day. For the laughter and inspiration, congratulations Vicki!
Male Coach of the Year
Craig Rainton (North Riding FA)
Following the tragic death of co-manager Stephen in December 2023, Craig took on the role of training, managing and refereeing. Craig’s most important role revealed itself in the care, support and time he dedicated to his heartbroken team of 10-year-old boys – including Stephen’s son. He helped them with their loss and brought the team even closer together. And by doing this the team has achieved amazing results. Winning this Award is a fitting tribute to both Craig and Stephen.
Disability Coach of the Year
Callum Huckfield (Staffordshire FA)
Callum coaches over 40 young people with SEND and neurodiverse barriers each week, and makes every session exciting and accessible. He empowers young adults to develop their coaching skills, or complete FA Referee courses and is always available for emotional support. Callum dedicates his free time to running a football camp to help even more young players with a disability to enjoy football. Overall he has built life skills for the young people such as teamwork, communication and resilience; well done Callum!
Steve Bradford (Sheffield & Hallamshire FA)
In 25 years as a referee, officiating 250 games a season, Steve hasn’t once taken a fee for his matchday role. Instead, he’s happily donated every penny back for team events. 18 months ago, Steve started a scheme to help young match officials pay for their courses, especially those from less affluent backgrounds. Steve is a hugely positive influence on the field. Constantly encouraging players, Steve is always smiling, even in torrential rain or snow. Well done Steve!
Grounds Team of the Year
Arnie Ross (Manchester FA)
Single-handedly looking after every pitch at four different sites for Urmston Meadowside’s many teams never fazes Arnie. Despite setting up multiple pitches for multiple games, Arnie is always finished up early whatever time the coaches arrive, freeing them up to focus on football. His can-do attitude sees him allocating pitches, assigning refs and maintaining the clubhouse. For removing all that stress from others, and for always having a big smile on your face, you’re a deserving winner Arnie!
Young Volunteer of the Year
Aisha Siddique (West Riding FA)
In her first year, Aisha's contribution to Alpha United and her community goes well beyond becoming a qualified coach and referee. She has also become a huge advocate for inclusivity, and is breaking down barriers through football. Aisha has launched a range of impactful social engagement and community outreach initiatives, and has led important educational campaigns ranging from anti-racism to nitrous oxide drug misuse. Aisha’s charity fundraising has inspired others to make their own difference. Congratulations Aisha!
Keeping Football Positive
Lorraine Humm (Kent FA)
You can always count on Lorraine. Running the 200+ player disability section. Fundraising. Event organising. Stewarding. Coaching the men, women, U23s, academy, boys, girls, walking, disability, pan-disability, Pebbles, Wildcats, Squad and Comets. The time-consuming tasks like being vice chair and manager and looking after the club’s three-star accreditation. Then there’s the kit washing, sponsoring and recycling. Not to mention collecting litter and organising food banks. Even dressing as a dinosaur – Lorraine, we salute you!
New Volunteer of the Year
Adam Flint (Nottinghamshire FA)
Kitchen revamped. Changing rooms updated. New lounge created. Numerous sponsorships brought in. What a first six months for new Vice Chair Adam. The improved facilities brought in extra income and over 150 people to a recent U14 game. Involved in everything, Adam can be found helping out at training and mopping out the showers. Adam has also added a girls’ only soccer school, with three new girls’ teams joining the league. Congratulations Adam!
League of the Year
Peterborough & District Football League CIC (Huntingdonshire FA)
Established in 1902, the League offers every format of football for around 300 clubs and over 5,700 players, from youth to pan-disability to walking. Growing from four divisions to 30, the League has a lifelong commitment to creating opportunities for everyone to grow and flourish. For respecting diversity, reintroducing the Respect handshake, embracing digital media, supporting charities, and connecting its community, congratulations one and all!
Anchorians FC (Kent FA)
With 65% of its membership coming from the country’s 10% lowest incomes, Anchorians’ ethos is to give everyone opportunities to take part. With 210+ volunteers and 1,200+ players, the club arranges free 20-minute health check-ups, gives families on free school meals a free football session, a free meal and washing facilities, and free football sessions for homeless people. With community at its heart, the club used its annual charity event to raise an amazing £5.4k from two games of football. Congratulations Anchorians!
The Lioness Award
Ellen Maggs (London FA)
Tirelessly, quietly and selflessly, Ellen has reshaped the face of girls’ football in London. Having played for Arsenal and England, Ellen understands the barriers girls face. She recognises the value of bridging the gap between grassroots and Academy football for some, and for others simply to have the opportunity to play for fun. Having fundraised, organised fixtures and secured council support, Ellen has expanded one girls’ league to over 150 teams and set up a whole new girls’ league. Great work Ellen!
The Bobby Moore Award
Steve Parker (Cheshire FA)
The prestigious Bobby Moore Award is reserved for the volunteer who best represents the heart and soul of volunteering in grassroots football. For over 10 years, from being a player, to manager, to chairperson, Steve has been totally focused on bringing football to every child, regardless of ability and capability. From focusing on building self-esteem and leading fundraising initiatives, now Steve’s unstinting efforts and continual fundraising efforts have brought the club its own ground after years of renting. Congratulations Steve!
VOLUNTEER IN GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL