The Grassroots Football Awards are here for you to say thank you to all the people and organisations who give their time to make football happen… our awesome volunteers who give so much week-in, week out, rain or shine. And they are for you, the parents, coaches, clubs, leagues, fellow volunteers, match officials and more to pass on your appreciation.

Across our County we want to find these amazing people, share their story nationally and celebrate them. And just say a huge thank you.

You can nominate as many times as you like, in as many categories as you like. 

HOW TO NOMINATE

This year, it’s easier than ever. You can now tell their story in a way you want simply by letting us know:

• What they do, and how it impresses you
• How they make a difference to others’ lives
• Where they’ve had an impact in their community

The more detail you give, the better. 

So let’s find the people who make football great in our County. And they can win a National Award and have the chance to go to be celebrated at Wembley. 

Nominations are open to the 3rd April 2024. There are twelve different categories for you to nominate into. Click here to find out more.

Nominate someone amazing for a Grassroots Football Award here

The 2024 Categories

Club of the Year

 Which club deserves your thanks? Who’s done something amazing…for their players, community or beyond?

• A 1, 2 or 3 star England Football Accredited club that’s: 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.
• Or perhaps supported The FA initiatives like Just Play, Weetabix Wildcats, Squad, Comets etc.

League of the Year

Who’s made the game better for more people? Who do you think has made football more accessible and enjoyable for more people?

A league in the male, female, youth or disability game that:

• Is England Football Accredited.
• Has created a safe, fun and inclusive space, both on and off the pitch.
• Supports The FA initiatives like for example Respect, Silent Support or Play Safe.

Match Official of the Year

Who’s really impressed you on match day? Who’s helped create a positive matchday experience? Who’s shown dedication and commitment to playing a fairer game?

In particular they can be a referee, a referee observer, coach, mentor, developer, appointments officer or any other role in the match official community. So long as they promote a fairer game for all by showing respect and understanding.

Young Volunteer of the Year

Who’s brought fresh energy as a young volunteer this season? Which youngster deserves your thanks for sharing their time, skills, ideas and commitment?

They must be aged between 14-25 years. A young person 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.

New Volunteer of the Year

Who’s burst onto the scene this year, and had a real impact? Which new volunteer has come in and started volunteering in 23/24 season, made a positive difference, and really deserves your thanks? 

In particular increasing the opportunities for others to play or volunteer or improving the experience.

Grounds Team of the Year

Who makes sure their ground – from pitch to facilities – is always ready for the game? Who 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

Who’s used the power of football to improve others’ lives? Who do you think has made a big difference in their community?

In particular, a person, club, league or project run by volunteers that might, for example, have led to:

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

Coach of the Year - Female Pathway

Who’s inclusive, encouraging and inspiring for our female players? Who’s impressed you with how well they engage players? Who’s got a great story we should all know?

A Coach that volunteers at a  1, 2 or 3 star England Football Accredited club, or from an FA programme (e.g. Just Play, Weetabix Wildcats, Comets Disability Football) who has had a positive impact by: 

• Helping female 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. 

PLEASE NOTE - a winning coach must have an in-date DBS and first aid. A commitment to ongoing CPD.

Coach of the Year - Disability Pathway

Who’s encouraging, inspiring and inclusive where and when and it matters most? Who’s had a real impact in the 23/24 season? Who’s got a great story to be told?

A coach that volunteers at a 1, 2 or 3 star England Football Accredited club, or from an FA programme (e.g. Just Play, Weetabix Wildcats, Comets Disability Football) who has had a positive impact by:

• Helping disabled 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.

PLEASE NOTE - a winning coach must have: An in-date DBS and first aid. A commitment to ongoing CPD

Coach of the Year - Male Pathway

Who’s stood out by being encouraging and inspiring for male players? Who’s engaged players in an impressive way? Who’s got a great story you’d like to share?

A coach that volunteers at a 1, 2 or 3 star England Football Accredited club, or from an FA programme (e.g. Just Play, Weetabix Wildcats, Comets Disability Football) who has had a positive impact by:

• Helping male 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.

PLEASE NOTE - a winning coach must have: An in-date DBS and first aid. A commitment to ongoing CPD.

The Lioness Award

Who deserves your thanks for creating new opportunities in the female game? Which volunteer, club, league or project has moved the women or girls game forward?

In particular, a volunteer, club, league or project that’s improving the girls and women’s game for more girls and women by:

• Creating chances to coach, manage, administrate or officiate.
• Having a big impact in their community, on and off the pitch.
• Using football to inspire positive change.

Bobby Moore Award

Who’s been truly exceptional? This extra-special award is for the volunteer that represents the best of grassroots football. It’s also the first time it’s been open to a public vote.

What we’re looking for:

Someone or a team, club, league that’s s had a big impact over a period of time by:

• 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 and its impact that’s helped bring their community together.
• Continuously developed and sought to add value to their team, club, league or organisation.

For more information about volunteering opportunities in Lincolnshire football, click here.

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