Local volunteer heroes have been celebrated as we reveal the winners of the 2018 FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards, thanking those who make a positive difference in their club, league or local community.

The Grassroots Football Awards, known previously as the FA Community Awards, recognise and celebrate the work of individuals and groups to instil The FA’s ‘PRIDE’ values - Progressive, Respectful, Inclusive, Determination and Excellent.

Following receipt of a record 2,904 nominations (141 from Essex), The FA have worked alongside respective County FAs to select appropriate winners across numerous categories. On 9th July, The FA’s National Panel will meet to select national winners from the pool of County FA recipients to be formally announced at the 2018 FA Community Shield on 5th August. Essex’s winners are:

Coach of the Year: Jordan Stringer (Ivory United FC)
Community Project of the Year: Forest Crusaders Futsal Club
Charter Standard Club of the Year: Saffron Walden Community Youth FC
Charter Standard League of the Year: Essex Senior League
Supporter of the Year: Soledad Hall-Ballina (Island Girls FC)
Volunteer of the Year: Susana Delgado-Curtis (Basildon Boys & Girls Club FC)
Young Volunteer of the Year: Alfie Davidson (Frinton & Walton YFC)

Brendan Walshe, Chief Executive of the Essex County FA, reacted: “We’re fortunate to have a large number of excellent volunteers locally, many of whom are involved with some truly brilliant clubs. It’s our privilege to be able to recognise them through the Grassroots Football Awards and we hope they continue to inspire the next generation to get into the game.”

FA Chairman Greg Clarke added: "It’s been fantastic to see a record number of nominations for this year’s awards and hear so many stories of dedication and commitment throughout the grassroots game. These winners represent the diverse nature of football in this country and I would like to congratulate each and every one for their inspirational work."

To learn more about The FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards, visit www.thefa.com. Information on Essex grassroots football can also be found in the menus above, by following @EssexCountyFA on Twitter and by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.