Good sportsmanship and admirable conduct will be celebrated once again through the Essex County Football Association’s annual Fair Play Awards, with the County Office in Chelmsford now accepting nominations for the 2009/10 honours from local leagues before the 6th June 2010 deadline.
Similar to last season, adult (both men and women) categories have been split into Saturday and Sunday awards, with a prize fund of £1,800 ready to be distributed in the form of kit and equipment vouchers. The winners in each section will receive coupons to the value of £500, the runners-up meriting £250 and third place earning £150. In the Youth category, open to boys’ and girls’ teams except for mini-soccer, special trips will be arranged for the winners to see FA Premier or Coca-Cola Football League matches.
Football Association guidelines highlight that everyone connected with football should show an understanding of, and respect for, the Laws of the Game as well as supporting the belief that the game should be played in an entertaining and positive way. Behaviour both on and off the field in a sporting manner towards all others involved is also seen as paramount, be they players, officials or spectators and irrespective of results.
A specially-formed, experienced judging panel will assess every nomination using a structured set of criteria when identifying possible winners. These include a team’s disciplinary record, their sportsmanship marks where a league operates such a system, the longevity of such marks or records, the level of football played by the team and any supporting statement provided by the league that puts them forward.
Mick Elliott, Director responsible for Discipline at the Essex County FA and a member of that panel, is hoping to beat last year’s nomination figures, stating: “I know the vast majority of players and teams out there attempt to play in a sporting manner and would love to be recognised for their achievements so every league in Essex is urged to nominate up to three teams in the appropriate category. We trust leagues will come forward to ensure we truly do reward fair play in local football.”
Last season there was a strong North Essex representation amongst the winners as Clacton United Under 14s Blues from the Colchester & District Youth League were named in second place in the Youth category, with Great Notley Under 11s Lions of the Chelmer & Crouch Youth League in third. In Saturday Open-Age football, the winners were Colne Engaine’s First Team from the Colchester & East Essex League.
The closing date for nominations is 6th June 2010 and forms can be downloaded via 'Related Documents' while hard copies can also be requested from Chris Evans on (01245) 393085. Completed forms must be returned to: The County Office, Springfield Lyons Approach, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 5LB. Please note that only nominations using this form, fully and correctly completed and signed by a League Secretary or Chairman, will be accepted.