Grassroots football’s next generation are being recognised through the ‘Young Volunteer’ category of our #CelebrateEssex competition on Twitter, with nominations for dedicated 14-21-year-olds invited until Tuesday 13th November.

#CelebrateEssex, organised via @EssexCountyFA on Twitter, promotes inspirational personal examples and stories, encouraging new faces to get involved and grow the grassroots community. Once nominations close, a select group will be chosen for a Twitter poll to identify the monthly hero, who’ll receive a prize and extra public plaudits.

November is the month of the ‘Young Volunteer’ category. Essex is fortunate to have a large number of excellent volunteers who are determined to develop themselves and emerge as the next generation of the local game. They coach and work with teams, referee, run events, promote the sport and champion the Respect Campaign.

The competition has been popular so far, and future months will feature: December: Fundraiser, January: Groundsperson, February: Coach. Coinciding with the latest category is the nationwide #iwill campaign week, which promotes social action among 10-20-year-olds.

This includes activities such as campaigning, fundraising and volunteering, all of which create a double-benefit - to communities and young people themselves. Essex nominees are invited to make ‘Pledges’ using video. By making a pledge at www.iwill.org.uk between 12th and 16th November, young volunteers can be further empowered and describe the impact they’re having. 

Armed with smartphones (and using the #CelebrateEssex and #iwill hashtags on Twitter), young Essex volunteers can create a film - short or long - talking about the positive impact they have had on their grassroots football communities.

Stage One: Make Your Nomination on Twitter

If you know a Young Volunteer who you think should receive some special thanks, anyone can make a nomination by tweeting (by 13th November):

“I nominate [Insert Name/Handle] as @EssexCountyFA #CelebrateEssex Young Volunteer because…”

State why your nominee should be the winner and be as descriptive as you can in 280 characters! It’s important to use the #CelebrateEssex hashtag to ensure your entry is registered.

Stage Two: Nominations Reviewed

Once the window closes, all the nominations received will be collated and a panel will decide which individuals will be progressed to the Twitter poll/vote...

Stage Three: Let Voting Commence!

A Twitter poll/vote will be available at @EssexCountyFA for seven days, featuring profiles of the nominees so voters can make an informed decision on who to vote for.

Stage Four: And Our Winner Is…

The winner of the poll will be contacted to be that month’s ‘Volunteer of the Month’, who’ll receive a prize plus promotional activities to celebrate their work.

Follow the #CelebrateEssex hashtag on Twitter to keep track of the competition! To find out more about volunteering in grassroots Essex football, browse the 'Volunteers' menu above, follow @EssexCountyFA on Twitter and search for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.