Members of the Wiltshire grassroots football community came together at the Village Hotel, Swindon, on Friday 20 September, as we presented some of our grassroots heroes with accolades in the Charlton Baker Wiltshire Grassroots Football Excellence Awards.

The Wiltshire FA Grassroots Football Excellence Awards recognise the clubs, leagues, players, volunteers, and projects that are making a difference in grassroots football across our county. Following weeks of nominations flying into Wiltshire FA, the awards ceremony saw an incredible 20 accolades presented to a number of deserving winners. However, the evening also provided an opportunity to celebrate the growth and development of grassroots football across Wiltshire, and for Wiltshire FA to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in the game.

Presented by renowned sports presenter James Threlfall MBE, the evening also enabled those in attendance to learn more about the exciting plans for the game locally being put in place by Wiltshire FA over the next four years – details of which will follow across our channels in the coming months.

Congratulations to all of our winners, and a special mention to all of our leagues who are crucial to the delivery of competitive football in Wiltshire.

• Chippenham Sunday League
• South Wiltshire Mini Soccer League
• Mid Wiltshire League
• North Wiltshire League
• Trowbridge District League
• Swindon & District League
• Wiltshire Senior League
• Salisbury Sunday League
• Swindon Sunday League
• Wiltshire Women & Girls’ League

All at Wiltshire FA would like to thank Charlton Baker, Village Hotels, Avon Trophies, Corsham Print, and host James, staff, board, guests and volunteers for making the evening so special.

Our 2024 Winners

Making a Difference Award – Richard Gardiner

Presented his award by Wiltshire FA President, Paul Fox, Richard has been involved in various roles across grassroots football for five decades. A Wiltshire FA Council Member, and chair of numerous committees, Richard has also served as Chair, Vice-Chair, and President of Wiltshire FA. A recipient of an FA Long Service Award for his 50 years dedicated to the game, today Richard continues to play an active role on Wiltshire FA committees, and can even be seen regularly in the kiosk serving teas. He’s simply a font of all knowledge when it comes to Wiltshire grassroots football.

Charlton Baker Inclusive Football & Community Involvement Award – Michaela Winter, Salisbury Youth FC

Presented by Sally-Ann Lewis from Charlton Baker, this award recognises clubs, teams, projects and individuals who are uniting people of any age, ethnicity, and any background. Michaela’s tireless dedication to youth football in incredible. She goes above and beyond to unite the club, keeps everyone informed, shares important updates and resources, all while supporting and advising new and existing managers. Michaela champions fairness and inclusion, and organised the first female tournament at the club.

Charlton Baker Progression Award – Sally Francis

This award, presented by Caleb Hollow of Charlton Baker, recognises the individuals in our community who are striving to be the best that they can be. Sally has only been involved in the game for a short time, but has been constantly building her knowledge to develop as a coach. She now runs two teams, while also learning how to develop a disability team at the club.

England Football Coach of the Year (Male Pathway) – Russell Parrott, Durrington Rovers FC

Presented by Wiltshire FA’s Lyndon Taylor, acknowledging the coach in the male pathway that has gone above and beyond this year, this accolade is presented to Russell Parrott. A very busy man, Russell chooses to use what little spare time he has to manage and coach two teams on Saturday and Sunday. He’s recently stepped up to take on a new squad, but always remains dedicated to making sure the players continue enjoying the game they love.

England Football Coach of the Year (Female Pathway) – Laura Littrell, Kingsdown Lionesses

This accolade, presented by Wiltshire FA’s Harry Russell, is presented to our Coach of the Year working hard to develop female players in our county. Despite battling illness, Laura has continued to volunteer for Kingsdown Lionesses and is always there for the ladies’ team. Committed to every training session and match, and never deterred by the weather, Laura has made significant improvements in the team as well as providing constant support to the players.

England Football Coach of the Year (Disability Pathway) – Lisa Smith, FC Abbey Meads

Presented to Lisa by Wiltshire FA’s Ashley Cornick, the Coach of the Year for our Disability Pathway, Lisa Smith, has formed one of the only 5-14 Ability Counts teams in Swindon. After identifying the lack of opportunity for children with disabilities, Lisa offered completely free sessions to ensure there us an inclusive option in Swindon.

England Football Young Volunteer Award – Jasmine Kennedy, Derry Hill

Presented by Wiltshire FA’s Ella Broad, our Young Volunteer Award winner, Jasmine, has been volunteering with Derry Hill for just over a year. At just 18, she’s the lead coach for the Wildcats centre, and plans/runs sessions as well as leading communication with parents and coaches. Her sessions focus on fun, and help to build friendships while developing football skills. Her hard work has helped the club develop a thriving Wildcats centre.

iPro Healthy Club of the Year – Rhiannon Jones, Active Chippenham

Rhiannon Jones of Active Chippenham was presented with this award by Witshire FA CEO, Simon Russell. The accolade recognises a club that is taking positive steps to look after both physical and mental health. Active Chippenham’s initiative was set up last year to support women locally overcome barriers to being physically active. Through women’s recreational sessions, their initiative provides an excellent provision to address health and exercise, mental health, community cohesion, and social wellbeing.

England Football Lioness Award – John Whitehead, Marlborough Youth FC

This award acknowledges somebody who is working hard to move the women and girls’ game forward. Presented by Wiltshire FA’s Hayley Chamberlin, our winner – John Whitehead – set up a team many years ago so his daughter could play girls’ football. He’s continued to set up a new team every year to ensure that the next generation continue to have an opportunity to play. With a thriving Wildcats programme supporting players through to U16 level, the club has 200 players training, and is the largest girls’ football section in Wiltshire. John also offers unlimited support and CPD events to women interested in coaching, to support the development of teams across the club.

Charlton Baker Ability Counts Award – John Page, Salisbury Tigers

The Ability Counts Award is presented to a club that is working to support disability football, and was handed to our winner by Wiltshire FA’s Harry Russell. John Page has provided much-needed sessions for adult disability players, and has devoted many years to successfully providing sessions with an emphasis on enjoyment.

Charlton Baker Wildcats Centre of the Year – Ian Philips, Dilton Rovers

This accolade recognises the best environment for girls to give football a try. Dilton Rovers are making significant strides to create a fun and social environment, where girls can learn new skills, make friends, and have fun.

Straker’s Welfare Officer Award – Dave Kiddle, Worton & Cheverell FC

Presented by Wiltshire FA’s Designated Safeguarding Officer, Maria Lai, and Karen Elson from Strakers, this award recognises those that are providing an excellent standard of safeguarding for their players. Dave has dedicated 12 years to grassroots football and takes provide in ensuring his club stays compliant with all their welfare regulations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dave also took on the role of COVID Officer, to do everything he could to keep the kids playing when possible.

Sustainable Club of the Year Award – Westbury Youth FC

This award, presented by Dave Ridley from Wiltshire FA, and Laura Martin from Hills Waste Solutions, recognises a club that his helping to protect our environment. Providing sustainable waste management for the 166 registered teams for their summer tournament, Westbury Youth organised a skip from Hills Waste Solutions to make sure their event rubbish was sorted into recyclable and recoverable waste.

England Football Bobby Moore Award – Trevor Newman, Castle Combe Colts FC

This award simply recognises the best of grassroots football in Wiltshire. Presented by Chippenham Sunday League’s Pete Lowe, the accolade was presented to Trevor Newman, who has been dedicated to Castle Combe Colts since 2007. Most recently fulfilling the role of Vice Chair, he’s passed on his knowledge to new officers, committee members, and coaches; despite no longer having a child at the club. He never misses a committee meeting.

Charlton Baker Outstanding Personal Achievement Award – Peter Webb, Highworth Town FC

Presented to a person who has shown determination, dedication and passion for the grassroots game, Peter has been involved with his club for over 65 years. He’s held the position of player, manager, secretary, and is currently a committee member at the age of 89. Through his dedication, the club can constantly rely on having clean changing rooms, laundered kit, swept paths, and a tidy ground. Peter has never missed a first team game, home or away, and is loved by everyone at the club. He continues to have a massive influence on the club’s youth players, who will all chat with him when entering the ground immediately with a warm greeting of ‘Hello Webby’.

England Football Match Officer of the Year – Lacey Hickton

Presented by Wiltshire FA’s Ella Broad, this accolade recognises a referee who is skilful and shows fairness, empathy, reliability, and fitness at each match. Lacey is always willing to help out and referee fixtures. She’s registered across a number of leagues and offers her services to all types of football. Lacey’s positivity is often noted, and she receives regular feedback on how engaging she is with both players and coaches. Lacey was the assistant referee of last year’s Wiltshire FA Women’s Cup Final. We look forward to seeing what’s next on her journey.

England Football Keeping Football Positive Award – Allyn Peacock, South Cerney Youth FC

Recognising a club that has gone the extra mile to create a positive culture, the Keeping Football Positive Award was presented to Allyn Peacock of South Cerney Youth FC by Wiltshire FA CEO, Simon Russell. Allyn has the ethos of welcoming children who may not have fitted in at other clubs, providing them with a chance to be part of a team. He’s passionate about participation and inclusion, and strongly promotes the view that there’s more to football than winning. He makes sure the game is fun, knows the importance of children getting fresh air, exercise, and being part of the game.

England Football New Volunteer Award – Tina Busby-Grayer, Clarendon Juniors

Presented by Colin Kennerson, this award is presented to a volunteer that has a positive impact on grassroots football. Tina joined Clarendon Juniors as a supporting mum, but quickly became a valued volunteer. Not from a football background, Tina recently completed the Introduction to Coaching Football course, and FA Referees course, and become a driving force for the girls’ football section at the club. Full of enthusiasm, Tina is a great role model. The club is successfully retaining players and the team is enjoying their football.

England Football Grassroots Club of the Year – Salisbury Rovers FC

Presented by Wiltshire FA’s Lyndon Taylor, this award recognises clubs that are inclusive and play a big part in the local community. Salisbury Rovers have paved the way in child-led practice, embedding children’s rights at the heart of the club. The club connects with the local community, offering free football and opportunities in areas of disadvantage, and actively supports/raises money for charities such as the Salisbury Food Bank and Women Refugees. Salisbury Rovers’ imaginative coaching techniques have been shared with national and international audiences. The club’s model is ‘person first’, not going along the thought of ‘one size fits all’. The club listens to its players and the provision is shaped around what children, young people, and adults want.

England Football Grounds Team of the Year – Martyn Moody, Clarendon Juniors

Presented to Martyn by Wiltshire FA’s Dave Ridley, and Simon Moore of Fleet Line Markers, this award acknowledges the individuals who keep pitches and facilities match ready all year round. Martyn is an unsung hero who works tirelessly to ensure Clarendon Juniors is always ready for the game. His dedication to marking pitches, making adjustments around bad areas, and assigning pitches and time slots for over 20 teams a week is invaluable. His work means coaches and players can simply turn up to pre-marked pitches at allocated times.