Nominations are now open for the 2024 Grassroots Football Awards, and numbers have been strong in Gloucestershire so far with over 80 nominees across the categories. Read on to learn more about each individual award, including what our independent panel will be looking for when they pick their winners.

The Gloucestershire FA is inviting sponsorship of individual awards to help us give our community of volunteers the proper recognition and love they deserve. If you are interested in sponsoring an award, please get in touch: Support@GloucestershireFA.com

Already know exactly who to nominate? Click here.

COACH OF THE YEAR (MALE, FEMALE AND DISABILITY PATHWAYS)

There are three separate Coach of the Year awards – one for each playing pathway.

We’re looking for a coach who’s encouraging, inspiring and inclusive when and it matters most. A coach who has had a real impact in the 23/24 season. A coach you think has a great story to be told.

We’re looking for somebody who has had a positive impact by:

• Helping players enjoy the game and reach their full potential
• Creating a thriving learning environment for all
• Helping players succeed in their respective game format
• Being aware of their own motivations and behaviours

Nominees should be coaches that volunteer at a 1, 2 or 3 star England Football Accredited club, or in an FA programme (e.g. Just Play, Weetabix Wildcats, Comets Disability Football).

They must have:

• An in-date DBS and first aid
• A commitment to ongoing CPD (such as Introduction to Coaching Football, EE Playmaker or England Accredited Learning)

CLUB OF THE YEAR

This should be a 1, 2 or 3 star England Football Accredited club that is inclusive and plays a big part in their local community. They should have:

• Recruited, rewarded or retained volunteers in a new way
• Improved its facilities – on the and off the pitch
• Attracted new funding to make football better for more people
• Started new teams or sessions for male, female or disabled players
• Supported The FA initiatives like Just Play, Weetabix Wildcats, Comets Disability Football etc

LEAGUE OF THE YEAR

We’re looking for a League that makes the game better for more people. A League which you think has done a lot to make football more accessible and enjoyable.

• England Football Accredited
• Created a safe, fun and inclusive space, both on and off the pitch
• Supports The FA initiatives such as Respect, Silent Support or Play Safe

YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

We’re looking for a young person who has brought fresh energy as a volunteer this season. A person aged 14 to 25 who is a role model to others, who provides a voice for other young people, or who has a valuable skillset as part of a wider team. Someone who deserves your thanks for sharing their time, skills and commitment… and youthful energy!

NEW VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

We’re looking for someone who has burst onto the scene this year and had a real impact. We want to know about the person who started volunteering in the 23/24 season and really deserves your thanks.

MATCH OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

The Match Official who has created a positive match day experience. Someone who has shown dedication and commitment to playing a fairer game.
This could be a referee, a referee observer, coach, mentor, developer, appointments officer or any other role in the match official community. All that matters is that they promote a fairer game for all by showing respect and understanding.

GROUNDS TEAM OF THE YEAR

We’re looking for the people who make sure their ground – from pitch to facilities – is always ready for matchday. A grounds team that goes the extra mile in creating a great playing surface. They might not even have a job title, but we want to hear about the people who:

• Transform poor pitches into great pitches
• Keep the facilities match-ready all year round
• Make sure the whole space is safe, week in, week out
• Create a playing environment that’s always welcoming
• Ensure that their facilities are at the heart of their communities

KEEPING FOOTBALL POSITIVE AWARD

We’re looking for a volunteer, club, league or project that has used the power of football to improve others’ lives, and made a big difference in their community.

Have they:

• Improved participant behaviour?
• Helped decrease crime?
• Aided an increase in youth engagement?
• Had a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing?
• Improved access for female or disability football?

THE LIONESS AWARD

We’re looking for a volunteer, club, league or project that’s moved the game forward for women or girls. Someone, or a group of people, who deserve your thanks for creating new opportunities in the female game, inspired by England Women’s success. In particular:

• Creating chances for females to coach, manage, administrate or officiate
• Having a big impact in their community
• Using football to inspire positive change

THE BOBBY MOORE AWARD

This is for the volunteer that represents the best of grassroots football in your county. We’re looking for someone who is truly exceptional!

• Retaining, recruiting or rewarding players and volunteers to ensure that their grassroots football provision is a true representation of the local community
• Raising the profile of their organisation
• Bringing their community together Continuously developing and seeking to add value to their team, club, league or organisation

Ready to nominate? Click here!