If you’ve spotted individuals at local matches who are full of the New Year spirit, then they could be worthy of a nomination for the latest monthly Essex County FA Fair Play Award on Facebook before Friday 31st January!

We're now welcoming submissions to celebrate the people who keep grassroots Essex football a safe and enjoyable place to play. Previous winners have been responsible for outstanding moments of sportsmanship or going ‘over and above’ in the name of excellent conduct.

Sportsmanship in grassroots football during January could earn a reward, with nominations being welcomed for a limited time. Monthly winners are being awarded throughout the season, building towards an overall vote for the 2019/20 victors in June.

As part of the 2018-21 ‘Moving Forward’ Strategy, the County FA aim to promote exceptional conduct and celebrate the best elements of the game, encouraging similar behaviour in all formats of youth and adult football. A voucher will be awarded to the winners and Helen Hever, Essex County FA Designated Safeguarding Officer, is looking forward to assessing the nominations.

Helen said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to recognise everyone who embraces fair play, making the football experience more enjoyable for all involved. Football is, of course, a competitive game, so having an award for fair play gives us a chance to reward those who are nominated for their sportsmanship and attitude towards how the game should be played.”

Nominations are open until Friday 31st January to recognise fair play which took place in January. 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!