Our #CelebrateEssex Twitter competition is celebrating the valued female presence in local grassroots football throughout this month by inviting nominations for the ‘Footie Mum’ category until Wednesday 10th March.

The monthly competition, organised via the @EssexCountyFA account, recognises the unpaid efforts of grassroots volunteer legends, and the latest celebration has been specifically scheduled to coincide with International Women’s Day (Monday 8th March) and Mother’s Day (Sunday 14th March). Once nominations close, the contest will reach the voting stage on Twitter.

#CelebrateEssex recognition shines a light on some of local football’s unsung heroes. It showcases personal stories from Essex legends, increasing their visibility as role models to engage new members and inspiring newcomers to join the grassroots community as volunteers.

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

March is the month of the ‘Footie Mum’ category. A Footie Mum could be due a special mention for the support they offer their son or daughter before, during or after a game in any number of ways. They could help to make sure their ‘star player’ gets to training safely, enjoys participating in matches and is supported to do their best, providing encouragement… win, lose or draw.

Future months will feature these categories: April: Treasurer, May: Secretary, June: Chairperson. Last year’s winner was Sindy Carmichael-Brown of Hashtag United FC, who reacted: “As a mother of three boys, and with a husband, all West Ham fans, football featured big time in our lives.”

“When Spencer set-up his own club it was a family affair, with hubby being the physio, so I took on an active role in hospitality. The role of ‘meet, greet and make welcome’ is in my make-up. I love meeting people and I’m a real people person.”

"Hashtag is one big family - we all look out for each other. The team, management, fans and supporters all work together. I genuinely love them all. I do what I do because I love the club. It’s not a chore - it’s an honour. Anyone who loves the game and likes meeting people and socialising should give it a go.”

Stage One: Make Your Nomination on Twitter

If you know a Footie Mum who you think should receive some special thanks, anyone can make a nomination by tweeting (by 10th March):

“I nominate [Insert Name or Twitter Username] from [Insert Club/Team or Twitter Username] as @EssexCountyFA #CelebrateEssex Footie Mum 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 nominations! 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

* previous category winners are ineligible for 2020/21 voting
* irregular voting patterns could result in the suspension of a category
* Twitter’s interpretation of the vote winner, as viewed by @EssexCountyFA, is final

International Women’s Day (Monday 8th March)
Females Making a Positive Difference

International Women's Day has been celebrated annually on 8th March since 1911. The day is not country, group or organization-specific - and belongs to all groups collectively, everywhere. This year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge.

During International Women's Day, many grassroots football clubs and organisations use the occasion to share details of the ever-growing opportunities for females to get involved with the game as players, coaches, referees or volunteers. To find out more, follow this link.