Nominations are now open for exceptional acts of sportsmanship in grassroots football as we invite nominations for May’s special Fair Play Award, with submissions required on Facebook by Monday 3rd June.

Anyone who witnessed a specific act at a match during May can put a worthy individual or team forward to be a potential winner. The County FA aim to promote exceptional conduct or kindness through the regular competition, celebrating the best elements of the game and encouraging them in all formats of youth and adult football.

Nominees will later be whittled down into an open vote between two final nominees and Helen Hever, Essex County FA Designated Safeguarding Officer, said: “We’re looking to celebrate any display of sportsmanship across all the formats of the game. The bar has been set quite high during previous months so we’d like a big finish to the season!”

“The spirit of fair play is crucial. It exists all over grassroots, like shaking hands or three cheers at the end of a match, but we’re seeking nominations that go that bit further. We’re looking for elements like team spirit, respect, friendship and excellence. Everyone loves football because of the passion and the competitive edge, but it’s important that we’re able to play the right way.”

Nominations are open until Monday 3rd June to recognise fair play which took place in May. To put someone forward, comment on this Facebook post with these details: yours and the nominee’s name, club/team (and age group where applicable), a description of why your nominee should win. Good luck!

April’s Winner… Hedinghams United Under 12s (Hawks)

Hedinghams provided a guard of honour for Tiptree Jobserve Under 12s after they won the league. Ahead their semi-final in the Knockout Cup, United lined-up and clapped the Tiptree Jobserve squad onto the pitch, showing fantastic fair play from their team and manager.