Do you have an outstanding Welfare Officer at your club or league who ensures everyone can enjoy football in a safe environment? Then nominate them for the latest #CelebrateEssex competition category which says a huge thank you to grassroots volunteers.

The popular contest helps to recognise some of the local game’s unsung heroes, showcasing personal stories from Essex legends, increasing their visibility as role models to engage new members and inspire them to join the grassroots community as volunteers. Nominations are required via the @EssexCountyFA Twitter account by Tuesday 13th October.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of grassroots football, putting in countless hours of their time so others can enjoy playing football. The game needs more helpers, but it also needs to retain and recognise those already involved. Through this monthly Twitter competition, #CelebrateEssex aims to do just that, promoting ten different roles throughout the year.

October is the month of the ‘Welfare Officer’ category. A proficient Welfare Officer ensures their club or league operates a safe, friendly environment and promotes good practice in-line with their Safeguarding Children Policy. They may also be responsible for safeguarding adults at risk within their club or league so they can enjoy secure football participation.

The category has been specifically chosen to take place in October to coincide with Parents in Sport Week. Future months will feature: November: Footie Dad, December: Football Family, January: Media Manager, February: Coach (Youth and Adult), March: Footie Mum, April: Treasurer, May: Secretary, June: Chairperson.

Last year’s Welfare Officer winner was Mike Kayley from the Great Bradfords FC. He reacted: “Being Welfare Officer involves making sure every child has a safe, secure and professional environment in which to grow and learn all about football. It also means ensuring anyone connected to the club has the support they may need.”

“We go above and beyond and champion positive mental wellbeing and inclusivity. I do this by regular visits to training and games and making sure I’m as visible as possible to managers, coaches, parents and players. I need to be approachable. I have made sure people within the club know they can contact me whenever they may need questions answering, or some support.”

Stage One: Make Your Nomination on Twitter

If you know a Welfare Officer who you think should receive some special thanks, anyone can make a nomination by tweeting (by 13th October):

“I nominate [Insert Name or Twitter Username] from [Insert Club/Team or Twitter Username] as @EssexCountyFA #CelebrateEssex Welfare Officer because…”

State why your nominee should be the winner and be as descriptive as you can in 280 characters! It’s important to use the #CelebrateEssex hashtag to ensure your entry is registered.

Stage Two: Nominations Reviewed

Once the window closes, all the nominations received will be collated and a panel will decide which individuals will be progressed to the Twitter poll/vote...

Stage Three: Let Voting Commence!

A Twitter poll/vote will be available at @EssexCountyFA for seven days, featuring profiles of the nominees so voters can make an informed decision on who to vote for.

Stage Four: And Our Winner Is…

The winner of the poll will be contacted to be that month’s ‘Volunteer of the Month’!

Follow the #CelebrateEssex hashtag on Twitter to keep track of the competition! To find out more about volunteering in grassroots Essex football, browse the 'Volunteers' menu above, follow @EssexCountyFA on Twitter and search for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.

#CelebrateEssex Terms and Conditions

* prizes must relate to the category the individual has won
* previous category winners are ineligible for 2020/21 nomination
* irregular voting patterns could result in the suspension of a category

Let’s Talk About Keeping Children Safe In Football
From 5th to 11th October is NSPCC ‘Parents in Sport’ Week

In support of the NSPCC ‘Parents in Sport’ Week from Monday 5th to Sunday 11th October, the Essex County FA are asking every parent or carer with a child involved in the game to ensure they are clear about football’s safeguards.

Run by the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU), Parents in Sport Week aims to highlight the important role parents play in youth sport, from helping to keep children safe, to encouraging them to take part and achieve. As part of the campaign, the CPSU are asking sports parents to make the Sports Parents Promise. Find out more at www.thecpsu.org.uk.