Local grassroots football legends will be recognised and rewarded through the Essex County FA ‘Volunteering in Football’ and ‘Referee Long Service’ Awards in 2024, with a nomination deadline of Friday 12th January fast approaching.

Years of dedicated efforts in the name of local sport will be celebrated, and individuals qualify if they have given at least ten years of service to football in Essex. This can be as an honorary secretary of an affiliated club or competition, as a registered referee, or in any other capacity felt to be appropriate, not including playing or managerial service. There are four categories:

Award of Merit: The nominee shall have given at least 40 years of outstanding honorary service to football in Essex, or 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 in 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 in any other capacity felt to be appropriate, not including playing or managerial service.

Lana Gillard, Essex County FA Football Development Officer, is looking forward to seeing more committee members and referees receiving well-deserved plaudits: “Grassroots football just wouldn’t exist without the selfless hard work of many volunteers. We’re very proud to be able to say thank you through these awards, and to recognise the overall workforce in our region.”

You can nominate now by following this link. You can also interact with @EssexCountyFA on Twitter/X and by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.