The nomination deadline is fast approaching for the FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards as Essex says a massive thank you to the amazing local volunteers who make the game tick and inspire us all.

The window for 2021 is currently open via this link, but it closes on Tuesday (4th May). People who make a positive difference can now be put forward for recognition, celebrating the fantastic individuals who put their heart and soul into the grassroots game across England.

This season, volunteers have adapted to the ever-changing Coronavirus pandemic. They responded quickly to make football happen when they could. And, when they couldn’t play, they kept players, volunteers and the wider community connected off the pitch.

They demonstrated the true power of football, they stuck together, helped each other across teams, across clubs and showed what the football community could do when faced with uncertainty and an unparalleled situation. Your nomination is going to mean so much to the person receiving it.

They’re going to be a winner in the eyes of their peers or players. Anybody can nominate people into a category through the online portal. County FAs select a local winner for each from the public’s nominations. These form a shortlist for the national winners, selected by a national judging panel.

The Categories

* Coach of the Year for Adults
* Coach of the Year for Youths
* Club of the Year
* League of the Year
* Volunteer of the Year
* Project of the Year
* Rising Star of the Year
* Match Official of the Year
* Grounds Team of the Year
* Spirit of Grassroots Football Award

Nominate now by following this link! Further category information can be found here. Details can also be found by following @EssexCountyFA on Twitter and by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.