Nominations for 2019 Essex County FA Long Service Awards are being welcomed online until Monday 1st April 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 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, 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 Football Association.
 
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 other capacity felt appropriate, not including playing or managerial service.

Long Service Recognition: 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 any other capacity felt to be appropriate, not including playing or managerial service.

Last July, former Tottenham Hotspur defender Justin Edinburgh paid tribute to scores of local football volunteers at the annual Awards Evening. Mementoes were handed out at Chelmsford City Racecourse to members of the grassroots community, whose efforts keep the game alive at the lower levels. They were treated to fun activities, a meal and a special ceremony.

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 by following this link. They must be received by Monday 1st April. Information on grassroots Essex football is also shared by @EssexCountyFA on Twitter and by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.