Nominations are being welcomed for the 2020 Essex County FA Long Service Awards until Saturday 11th January via our website in order to recognise and reward decades of volunteering in local grassroots football.

Individuals qualify if they 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. 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.

In July, praise was heaped upon scores of local football volunteers when they were recognised for decades of service, fair play and dedication at the Essex County FA’s annual Awards Evening, with Sir Trevor Brooking presenting the mementoes.

Accolades were handed out at Chelmsford City Racecourse to grassroots volunteers, whose efforts keep the game alive at the lower levels. There was also a special presentation from Leyton Orient FC’s Josh Wright on behalf of the new Justin Edinburgh 3 Foundation.

Essex County FA Chief Executive, Brendan Walshe, wants to see more committee members and referees receiving plaudits: “Without the selfless hard work of volunteers, grassroots football simply wouldn’t exist. 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.”

Nominations for these awards can be made via the online form here. They must be received by Saturday 11th January. Information on grassroots Essex football is also shared by @EssexCountyFA on Twitter and by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.