As the nomination deadline approaches for the FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards, we're particularly keen to receive submissions for the 'We Only Do Positive’ Parents Respect Award category.

Monday 18th May is the final day to put nominees forward for the awards via www.essexfa.com so The FA can celebrate the individuals, clubs and leagues who make a positive difference across their communities. There are categories for coaches, volunteers, ground staff, projects and referees, with current emphasis on the parents who promote excellent conduct on the sidelines.

During these difficult times, the awards are a chance to recognise the invaluable work which goes into the grassroots game and say a big thank you to the incredible volunteers who inspire people to make football safer and more enjoyable for all. There have been some excellent submissions so far, though we would like one final push before the deadline.

Individuals should be nominated by someone else (not themselves), though anyone can nominate their own club and/or league. The categories for this year’s awards have been chosen to reflect the diversity of local football communities and the positive impact the sport can have. The awards are split into ten categories:

* Grassroots Coach of the Year for Youth 
* Grassroots Coach of the Year for Adults 
* Grassroots Club of the Year 
* Grassroots League of the Year 
* Grassroots Volunteer of the Year 
* Rising Star of the Year 
* Grassroots Grounds Team of the Year 
* Grassroots Project of the Year 
* 'We Only Do Positive' - Parents Respect Award 
* Grassroots Match Official of the Year

Nominations should include evidence of the difference and impact the nominee has had on the people around them. The FA’s Progressive, Respectful, Inclusive, Determined, and Excellent values and behaviours are the backbone of the awards in an effort to identify the people who embed them in their clubs, leagues and local communities.

To nominate your grassroots hero, follow this the link by Monday 18th May. Information is also shared by @EssexCountyFA on Twitter, as well as through the ‘EssexFootball’ page on Facebook. More about the award criteria can be found at www.thefa.com/mcdonaldsgrassrootsawards.