November is the ‘Footie Dads’ category of our #CelebrateEssex volunteer competition, with nominations being accepted via the @EssexCountyFA Twitter account until Tuesday 16th November to thank individuals who make local football tick.

#CelebrateEssex highlights the unpaid efforts of some of the Essex grassroots game’s true heroes, showcasing personal stories from Essex grassroots personalities and increasing their visibility as role models to inspire new faces to join the community as volunteers. Once nominations for the monthly contest close, a final voting stage on Twitter will identify the latest winner.

November is the month of the ‘Footie Dads’ category. A Footie Dad might 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 and enjoy participating in matches. And they’ll encourage them to do their best, providing positive support afterwards… win, lose or draw.

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 regular Twitter activity, #CelebrateEssex aims to do just that, promoting ten different roles throughout the year.

Last season’s winner was Ian Kendle from Chelmsford City Ladies FC, who reacted: “I first got involved in football when I managed both my daughters' junior teams. I then went on to produce matchday programmes for the overall club and now also take photos at the matches, for all of the teams. I would say to any parent: get involved, you'll get much more out of the matches.”

The category has been specifically scheduled for November to raise awareness of International Men’s Day, marking the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. Future months will feature: December: Football Family, January: Media Manager, February: Coach (Youth and Adult), March: Footie Mum, April: Treasurer, May: Secretary, June: Chairperson.

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 16th 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 nominations! 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 2021/22 voting
* irregular voting patterns could result in the suspension of a category
* Twitter’s interpretation of the vote winner, as viewed by @EssexCountyFA, is final

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

International Men’s Day celebrates, worldwide, the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. On Friday 19th November, positive role models will be highlighted to raise awareness of men’s wellbeing.

This year’s theme is: “better relations between men and women,” and the day is an opportunity for people of goodwill everywhere to appreciate and celebrate the men in their lives, as well as recognising the contribution they make to society for the greater good of all. Find out more on the International Men's Day website.