Colchester United Manager, Danny Cowley, presented trophies as a special guest when we recognised decades of service and dedication from local football volunteers at our annual Awards Evening on Friday (20th September).

Dozens of deserving individuals enjoyed the prestigious event and took receipt of mementoes from the U’s coach at the JobServe Community Stadium. Accolades such as the England Football Grassroots Awards and recognition for long service and community activities were handed out to valued volunteers, whose efforts keep the game alive at the lower levels.

The award winners were treated to fun activities, a meal and a special event supported by Hospital Radio Chelmsford to add to the prestige. Also in attendance were Spencer Owen and Emma Samways, who re-lived the glory of Hashtag United’s FA Women’s National League Cup win when they beat Newcastle United in March’s final at Luton Town’s Kenilworth Road home.

Romford were an additional success story for local football in 2023/24, and Chairman Steve Gardener was joined by the FA Vase silverware his club won against fellow Essex club Great Wakering Rovers at Wembley Stadium in May. He recalled some of his memories from the day, and highlights videos were played as a reminder of Hashtag’s and Romford’s achievements.

The Essex County FA Youth Forum later took to the stage to detail some of the development activities they’d recently been involved with as they attempt to give young volunteers a voice in grassroots football. Chair Sian Hillis was able to announce the launch of a progressive new Youth Forum partnership with Anthony Nolan, a charity who save lives through stem cells.

During a ‘Question and Answer’ feature of the evening, former Braintree Town, Huddersfield Town and Portsmouth Manager Cowley was able to reflect on many achievements throughout his path in coaching, from an award-winning time at FitzWimarc School to three promotions at Concord Rangers and further success at Lincoln City.

Though he rates watching young people achieve success themselves as one of the main highs: “I still coach in grassroots, and I love my time working with young players. I’d say it’s important to make it fun, then they will learn and develop. The best players teach you the game. Emile Smith-Rowe was at Huddersfield when he was 18, on loan from Arsenal.”

“He was quiet until he stepped onto the pitch, then he taught me the game. How he found space was incredible. Put the players first. It’s our job as coaches to find the best way for them. Celebrate what they can do, rather than focussing on what they can’t do. We like what we can do, so help them to do that more often.”

To get involved in grassroots Essex football, please browse the 'Volunteers' menu above. Photos from the Awards Evening can be found by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook or via the link below. You can also interact with the @EssexCountyFA account, plus the #ECFAAwards24 hashtag, on X.