Sportsmanship in local football is being recognised through our Fair Play Awards, with Epping Town player Daniel Garfinkle and Basildon Boys & Girls Club Under 17s shortlisted in a new Facebook voting format until Thursday 25th October.

A voucher is on offer for each monthly winner and nominations have taken place for the competition which started in September and will run every month until May, culminating in an open Facebook vote between two selected nominees. The goal is to promote the best elements of the game and encourage them in all formats of youth and adult football.

The nominees were put forward as follows:

Daniel Garfinkle (nominated by Billy Cove): "0-3 up, we are on the attack, their keeper makes a save but collides with the post & goes down injured... we have an open goal... Epping Town forward @danielgarfinkle stops the ball, turns around and kicks it out for a throw in so the keeper can get some treatment..."

Basildon Boys & Girls Club Under 17s (nominated by Susana Delgado-Curtis): "I would like to nominate the parents of the Basildon Boys & Girls Club FC U17's team. I was at the game on 23/9 and these parents clapped and cheered the opposition when the GK made a save or the team scored a goal. I didn't hear one negative word from these group of parents, they really are positive role models for the true spirit of the game."

Helen Hever, Essex County FA Designated Safeguarding Officer, said: “The game can't exist without respect between players, coaches, referees, fans, leagues and everybody in football. Everyone loves football because of the passion and the competitive edge, but it’s important that we’re able to play the game in the right way. The spirit of fair play is crucial to that.”

Voting is open via this link until Thursday 25th October at www.facebook.com/EssexFootball. Best practice guidelines and template codes of conduct can be found here and information is also shared by @EssexCountyFA on Twitter.