NOMINATE SOMEONE WHO IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL?
We are delighted to launch the Wiltshire FA and Charlton Baker Grassroots Football Excellence Awards 2023.
Alongside the annual England Football Grassroots Football Awards, we are including an additional nine awards to recognise and thank more clubs, leagues, players, volunteers and projects that are making a difference in grassroots football in Wiltshire with a celebration event planned for later in the year.
Oliver Selfe, Wiltshire FA CEO said, “It’s time to start thinking about those people in the grassroots game who deserve recognition.
“Each season we are greatly impressed by the inspiring people in our football community, who are dedicated to making the game happen week in, week out.
“We want to 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, “We are looking forward to another year of celebrating the grassroots football community, thanking them for their time, dedication and commitment.
“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 making a difference. 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, Swindon Town FC Community Foundation were recognised for their Asylum Seekers and Refugees Project. This project provides those who seek asylum or have refugee status in Swindon weekly sessions to help them rebuild their lives.
Those who have fled conflict can come to football sessions to find new friends, learn the language and local area in a safe and secure space.
Taking home the Inclusive Football and Community Involvement Award, Swindon Town FC Community Foundation were thanked for using football to break down barriers and to encourage positive futures.
Also recognised was young coach, Keir Doherty from Salisbury Rovers FC for continually striving to be the best he can be, developing skills to improve the standard of football in Wiltshire.
At just 16 years old, Keir is a level 1 coach who prepares imaginative sessions every Saturday for his team. He works with children with special needs, offering 1:1 support. He supports Community Sessions and sits on the Club Committee as well as being a valued member of the Wiltshire FA Youth Council.
Praised for his compassionate approach and positive impact, Keir is a future leader in sport.
Picking up the Healthy, Safe and Sustainable Award, Holly Taylor and Chris Bottle from Clarendon Juniors FC were recognised for fulfilling their ambitions to have nature and sport working alongside each other by setting up 5 ‘Nature Zones’ around the football playing fields. The areas are populated with plants, flowers and trees to create different habitats, restoring the local ecology to provide shelter, food and protection for insects, birds and mammals. It is also hoped the ‘Nature Zones’ will also become ‘Safe Zones’, providing a welcoming space for children who may need some space and quiet time.
The Making A Difference Award 2022 was awarded to Mark Goddard from Worton & Cheverell FC for his consistent, hard work throughout the pandemic, ensuring the players were able to return to play in safety. Mark also stepped up and supported the club after it had been hit by Storm Eunice, fundraising for a new roof.
Also being praised for his coaching, Mark always provides a positive environment, prioritising developing confidence, wellbeing and self-esteem alongside football.
Oliver continues, “Do you know someone who goes the extra mile? Do you know a club that provides an outstanding football provision? Do you know a project that is making a difference? Please nominate them. We want to thank them.
Nominate the incredible volunteers, who inspire us all. 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, we want to 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.
Who is making a significant difference in the game?
Who is supporting disability football in Wiltshire?
Who is uniting the community?
Who is showing determination to achieve?
Who is striving to be the best they can be?
Which Wildcats centre has a great environment?
Which clubs look out for the health of their players?
Who provides an excellent standard of safeguarding?
