Stansted FC grassroots hero, Michael Phillips, has earned an FA 50-Year Award for his dedication and services to the grassroots game, recognising decades of volunteering work in the name of local football at several different clubs.

Michael has been involved in football for 54 years in many volunteer roles, and his memento was presented to him by the Essex County FA’s Alec Berry on the pitch prior to a Stansted home fixture on Saturday 3rd February. Most recently, he’s also been involved with Takeley FC, playing a key part in their establishment as an FA National League System Step 5 club.

He started playing football in 1963 for his school, Rowland Hill in Tottenham and was selected for London School Boys as their goalkeeper. In 1965, he and his family moved to Harlow, starting a long career in coaching at the age of 16. Michael played and coached Field Athletic FC, improving players and bringing success to the club with their Under 12s, winning various cups and competitions.

Michael was a founding member of the Harlow Recreational League and had success with their Under 16s Representative Team as coach. He finished in youth football coaching Hotspur Spartak FC, winning the Under 16s Cup Final, then Michael joined an open-age club - Solent FC - bringing success to them, too, by winning a treble of trophies.

His reputation as a coach saw him join Sawbridgeworth Town FC at Step 5. Staying with them for 32 years, he won 28 trophies and championships during that time. Michael was a Coach, Manager, Honorary Secretary, Fixture Secretary and Committee Member. He also coached and managed Bishop Stortford FC’s Reserves and won a Hertfordshire County FA cup competition.

In 2018, Michael joined Takeley FC, who were transiting into Step 5 football in the Essex Senior League from Step 7. He helped to build strong foundations at that level, where they still play to this day. During that time, the club acquired and built a ground which any Step 5 outfit could be proud of. Michael moved to Stansted FC in 2020, and he’s still a very active committee member. He helps with coaching and advising staff and players and can be seen at all of their games.

Congratulations to Michael on his FA 50-Year Award! If you’d like to find out more about becoming a volunteer in grassroots Essex football, browse the 'Volunteers' menu above. You can also interact via the @EssexCountyFA account on Twitter/X or by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.