Our Chief Executive Brendan Walshe is looking forward to more nominations for Long Service Awards reaching the County Office in Chelmsford before the deadline of Sunday 1st April, repeating that “grassroots football simply wouldn’t exist without the selfless hard work of volunteers.”

Last July, individuals from across the county were recognised for their “selfless hard work” at the 2017 Essex County FA Awards Evening as scores of guests enjoyed the annual showpiece occasion at Chelmsford City Racecourse, with former West Ham United and Fulham player Tony Gale attending as a special guest.

The deadline for names for the 2018 shortlist is approaching and Brendan wants to see more committee members and referees receiving mementoes as a thank you for keeping football going at the lower levels. “It’s definitely worth reinforcing that grassroots football simply wouldn’t exist without the selfless hard work of volunteers,” he said. “We’re proud to be able to say thank you, and to recognise what’s a small fraction of the overall workforce in our region.”

The awards are for members parented to the Essex County FA, and there are four categories representing lengths of service:

Award of Merit: The nominee shall have given at least 40 years of outstanding honorary service to football in Essex, in any other capacity felt appropriate, not including playing, refereeing or managerial service, and who is approved by the Executive Council of the Essex County FA.

Outstanding Service Award: The nominee shall have given outstanding service to football in Essex over a minimum of 30 years as an administrator or referee or in any other capacity felt appropriate, not including playing or managerial service.

Exemplary Service Award: The nominee shall have given exemplary service to football in Essex over a minimum of 20 years as an administrator or referee or other capacity felt appropriate, not including playing or managerial service.

Long Service Certificate: The nominee shall have given at least ten years of service to football in Essex as an honorary secretary of an affiliated club or competition, a registered referee, or any other capacity felt to be appropriate, not including playing or managerial service.

Nominations for these awards can be made via the online form by clicking here and must be received by Sunday 1st April. Alternatively, call (01245) 393085 or E-Mail info@essexfa.com.