Nominations are welcome for the our Volunteering in Football and Referee Long Service Awards until Sunday 19th January, as local grassroots heroes are recognised and rewarded for years of dedication to the game.

Individuals qualify if they have given at least ten years of service to football in Essex as an honorary secretary of an affiliated club or competition, a registered referee, or in any other capacity felt to be appropriate, not including playing or managerial service. There are four categories:

Award of Merit: The nominee shall have given at least 40 years of outstanding honorary service to football in Essex, as a recognised committee member of an affiliated club or competition, or in any other ‘volunteering in football’ capacity felt appropriate, and who is approved by the Executive Council of the Essex County Football Association. Please note that refereeing, playing, coaching and managerial positions are not eligible for this award.

Outstanding Service Award: The nominee shall have given outstanding service to football in Essex over a minimum of 30 years as a recognised committee member of an affiliated club or competition, as a registered, active referee in Essex or in any other ‘volunteering in football’ capacity felt appropriate. Please note that playing, coaching and managerial positions are not eligible for this award.

Exemplary Service Award: The nominee shall have given exemplary service to football in Essex over a minimum of 20 years as a recognised committee member of an affiliated club or competition, as a registered, active referee in Essex or in any other ‘volunteering in football’ capacity felt appropriate. Please note that playing, coaching and managerial positions are not eligible for this award.

Long Service Certificate: The nominee shall have served for at least 10 years as a recognised committee member of an affiliated club or competition, as a registered, active referee in Essex or in any other ‘volunteering in football’ capacity felt appropriate. Please note that playing, coaching and managerial positions are not eligible for this award.

Lana Gillard, Essex County FA Football Development Officer, is looking forward to more well-deserved plaudits for committee members and referees, explaining: “Grassroots football just wouldn’t exist without the selfless hard work of many volunteers. We’re very proud to be able to say thank you through these awards, and to recognise the overall workforce in our region.”

Nominate your grassroots hero now by following this link. You can also find us on X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.