A dedicated Essex volunteer, Paul Harvey, has received an FA 50-Year Award to recognise him for decades of selfless commitment to grassroots football.

Paul was presented with his memento on Thursday 3rd February by Essex County FA Chairperson, Andy Chaplin, in the presence of Ian Dobbin, who nominated him. To be eligible for The FA’s ‘Order of Merit’ Award, an individual must have completed 50 years as a volunteer, inclusive of their playing career but excluding any football played at school.

Paul Harvey

Paul’s playing career spans a 33-year period between 1959 and 1992, appearing for teams on Saturdays and Sundays in the Tiptree area. In 1972, he took up his first role as a manager with Tiptree Monarchs, staying for 15 years before managing Tiptree Minors Under 15s, developing young, aspiring footballers for a year.

He then went to Tiptree Sportsman as Assistant Manager for three years between 2006 and 2009, all their teams playing football on Sundays. However, Paul’s managerial career for Saturday football saw him take control of teams playing their football across various leagues in Essex between 1977 to 1997, a period of 20 years.

A lot of this football was played at Step 7 in the national football pyramid. He was persuaded back into management in 2009 to take up a role with Tiptree Jobserve Reserves as Assistant Manager for three years. Paul’s ability and reputation in football were also recognised as he became a committee member for various clubs and leagues. His overall contribution includes:

1972-1976: Maldon Sunday League (Committee Member)
1972-1998: Tiptree Monarchs FC (Secretary and President)
1979-2022: Colchester Sunday League (Vice President)
1985-1995: Tiptree Social Club FC (Vice Chairman)
1981-1995: Tiptree United FC (Vice Chairman)
1981-1995: Tiptree United FC (Reserve Team Secretary)
2006-2009: Tiptree Sportsman FC (Assistant Secretary)
2016-2019: Tiptree Heath FC (Chairman)
2015 to date: Essex & Suffolk Border League (Authentication Officer)

It is without doubt that Paul has dedicated over 50 fantastic years to the grassroots game. It is also recognised that the past two years have been exceptionally difficult for club and league volunteers, and the commitment shown by these people is insurmountable.

To find out more about volunteering within grassroots Essex football, browse the ‘Volunteers’ menu above, follow @EssexCountyFA on Twitter and search for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.