Sportsmanship and acts of exceptionally good conduct in grassroots football in November could be worthy of a reward as the Essex County FA Fair Play Awards are welcoming nominations until the end of the month.

Submissions can be made for the latest stage of the awards, which are required on Facebook by Saturday 30th November. Monthly winners will be awarded throughout the season, building towards an overall vote for the 2019/20 victors in June. Anyone who witnessed a specific act at a match can put an individual or team forward to be a potential winner.

As part of the 2018-21 ‘Moving Forward’ Strategy, the County FA aim to promote exceptional conduct and celebrate the best elements of the game, encouraging similar behaviour in all formats of youth and adult football. A voucher will be awarded to the winners and Helen Hever, Essex County FA Designated Safeguarding Officer is looking forward to assessing the nominations.

Helen said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to recognise everyone who embraces fair play, making the football experience more enjoyable for all involved. Football is, of course, a competitive game, so having an award for fair play gives us a chance to reward those who are nominated for their sportsmanship and attitude towards how the game should be played.”

Nominations are open until Saturday 30th November to recognise fair play which took place in the early stages of 2019/20. To put someone forward, comment on our Facebok post here with these details: yours and the nominee’s name (club/team and age group, where applicable), a description of why your nominee should win. Good luck!

Essex County FA Fair Play Awards: October’s Winner!

Daniel Cressey (May & Baker Eastbrook Community Veterans Team) (nominated by Ben Adams)

“During a game last weekend against my club, Corinthians FC, he was through on goal and Malcolm Dunn, the 'keeper, slid to his feet and made a fantastic challenge. The referee pointed to the spot and, although Daniel advised the ref there was no foul, the ref insisted the penalty was taken. Daniel told his team he was passing back to the 'keeper, which he did. An act of true sportsmanship... well done, Daniel!”