We are delighted to launch the Wiltshire FA and Charlton Baker Grassroots Football Excellence Awards 2024.

Thanks to our awards sponsor, Charlton Baker, alongside the annual England Football Grassroots Football Awards, we are including an additional nine opportunities to recognise and thank more clubs, leagues, players, volunteers and projects that are making a difference in grassroots football in Wiltshire with a big celebration event planned for later in the year.

Alan Smith, Chair at Wiltshire FA said, “It’s time to start thinking about the people in the grassroots game who deserve recognition.

“I am greatly impressed when I hear about the inspiring football workforce. So many volunteers are dedicated to making the game happen week in, week out.

“It is important we continue to recognise these contributions to grassroots football, thanking our clubs, leagues, volunteers, referees, players and grounds teams who go the extra mile, never give up and work tirelessly to keep the game going.”

"There is so much to celebrate in Wiltshire football, please take the time, make the nomination and recognise those who are making a difference.”

England Football has been recognising and celebrating the people who put their heart and soul into the grassroots game across England for many years. In 2020 Charlton Baker partnered with Wiltshire FA to further reward the remarkable contribution to football in Wiltshire.

Sally Ann Lewis, Accounting Associate at Charlton Baker said, “It’s that time of the year again. The time to recognise and celebrate the people who are making a difference. So much effort, dedication and commitment goes into making the game happen each week, we want to make sure it doesn’t go unnoticed so please nominate the people in your club who deserve a big thank you!

“At Charlton Baker we are passionate about championing excellence, making a difference, teamwork and building real relationships, all of which are reflected in the grassroots football community.

“Our awards focus on the people who are pioneering disability football, the people who show determination and resilience in their game, the people who are using football to enhance the Wiltshire community and the people who are trying to raise the standard of football.

“We are also on the look out for the Clubs that provide an excellent Wildcats programme for young girls to try the game and along with Strakers Estate Agents, iPRO Hydrate and Hills Waste Solutions we also want to celebrate the clubs who are going above and beyond for to ensure they are providing safe, healthy and sustainable environments.”

Among the winners last year, Kick Start FC were recognised for their inclusive environment, a club that unites people of any age, ethnicity and from any background. Taking home the Inclusive Football & Community Involvement Awards and the iPRO - Healthy Club Award the club had received some amazing nominations with testimonials and stories from players who have benefitted from their approach. Making a huge difference in the area of mental health, this club promotes positive mental health sessions, offering and opportunity to talk, get out in the fresh air and have fun playing football.

Also recognised was Salisbury Rovers FC as they collected the Positive Football Environment Award. The club consistently goes the extra mile to create a positive culture, ensuring football is accessible to everybody. Pioneering a globally recognised, child-led approach where young people co-create and lead sessions, Salisbury Rovers FC is committed to inclusion, respect and the welfare and rights of children.

Picking up the Hills Waste Solutions - Sustainable Club Award, Ramsbury FC were recognised for making strides to protect our environment. The club consider waste management and lighting but notably have recently commissioned a 33m bore hole to provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly irrigation system. The water, sourced from natural springs, will be used to water and maintain pitches using a water tractor from the borehole, negating using thousands of litres of water from mains taps.

Also awarded were inspirational coaches, referees, leagues, clubs and volunteers. Read more about the 2023 winners here.

Alan continues, “If you know someone who goes the extra mile? Or a club that provides an outstanding football provision or a project that is making a difference? Please nominate them. We want to thank them.

“We call on you to nominate the incredible volunteers, who make your clubs brilliant. Nominate the person who behaves with fairness and integrity. Nominate the fun, safe and inclusive environments where you enjoy football. Nominate the coaches, referees and volunteers who encourage the best, in both themselves and everyone around them. Nominate the people who have risen to overcome challenges and the people who make a truly positive impact in their community, let’s reward them!”

With a total of 19 awards up for grabs, 10 from England Football and an additional 9 from Charlton Baker this is a great opportunity to nominate someone for the positive impact they have made.

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