Know a ‘Footie Dad’ who encourages their star player/s to enjoy grassroots football? Then nominate them for the latest #CelebrateEssex competition category, which says a huge thank you to the local volunteers who keep the game going.

The Twitter contest helps to recognise some of local football’s unsung heroes. It showcases personal stories from Essex legends, increasing their visibility as role models to engage new members and inspiring newcomers to join the grassroots community as volunteers. Nominations are required via the @EssexCountyFA account by Thursday 12th November.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of grassroots football, putting in countless hours of their time so others can enjoy playing the game. Football needs more helpers, but it also needs to retain and recognise those already involved. Through this monthly Twitter competition, #CelebrateEssex aims to do just that, promoting ten different roles throughout the year.

November is the month of the ‘Footie Dad’ category. A Footie Dad could be due a special mention for the support they offer their son or daughter before, during or after a game. They could help to make sure they get to training safely, enjoy participating in matches and are encouraged to do their best, providing positive support afterwards… win, lose or draw.

The category has been specifically chosen to take place in November to coincide with International Men’s Day on Thursday 19th November. Future months will feature these categories: December: Football Family, January: Media Manager, February: Coach (Youth and Adult), March: Footie Mum, April: Treasurer, May: Secretary, June: Chairperson.

Last year’s Footie Dad winner was Andrew Hayden from Sporting 77 YFC, who reacted: “I’m supportive in as many ways as I can be for my son and his footballing journey, be it coaching him, watching him, taking him to Futsal sessions or taking him along to watch Colchester United. To see him smiling and enjoying football gives me enormous pleasure and fulfilment.”

“I perform my role at Sporting 77 YFC in Braintree by coaching the boys on Saturday and Sunday mornings, playing in their league format every week. To anyone thinking of doing a similar role… do it! The sheer enjoyment of seeing children smiling, enjoying themselves, making memories and developing new football skills, as well as friendships, makes it totally worthwhile!”

Stage One: Make Your Nomination on Twitter

If you know a Footie Dad who you think should receive some special thanks, anyone can make a nomination by tweeting (by 12th November):

“I nominate [Insert Name or Twitter Username] from [Insert Club/Team or Twitter Username] as @EssexCountyFA #CelebrateEssex Footie Dad 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’!

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.

#CelebrateEssex Terms and Conditions

* previous category winners are ineligible for 2020/21 nomination
* irregular voting patterns could result in the suspension of a category

Celebrating International Men’s Day in Essex
Worldwide Occasion on 19th November

On Thursday 19th November, International Men’s Day celebrates, worldwide, the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. Positive role models are highlighted to raise awareness of men’s wellbeing. The theme is: “better health for men and boys.”

The day is an opportunity for people of goodwill everywhere to appreciate and celebrate the men in their lives and the contribution they make to society for the greater good of all. Find out more at the International Men's Day website.