Devon County FA, The FA and its Community Partner, McDonalds, have recently held the annual Community Awards evening to recognise and reward grassroots clubs and volunteers across the county, the unsung heroes of grassroots football in communities across Devon.
The event was held on the 20th July 2011 at the excellent venue of St James’ Park, Exeter - Exeter City FC’s home ground. Our thanks to Exeter City for all their support.
This year has seen the second FA Community Awards, presented by McDonalds, which builds on the company’s continued commitment to improving standards and increasing participation across all aspects of grassroots football.
The awards on the evening recognised and rewarded the hard work that goes on around the county week in, week out, to provide the best possible experience for those participating in grassroots football.
The awards presented on the night along with the winners were:
• Coach of the Year Award – Simon Partridge
• Young Volunteer of the Year Award – Mackenzie Harris
• Volunteer of the Year Award – Charlie Sowden
Charter Standard Club and League Awards
• Club – Ugborough FC
• Development – KM United Youth
• Community – Stoke Gabriel Youth FC
• League – The Exeter and District Youth League
• Regional Charter Standard Club Award – Ugborough FC
• Outstanding Contribution Award – John Palfreyman
Devon FA Awards
• Services to Refereeing Award – Ian Rothwell
• Young Referee of the year – Duncan Underhill Memorial Shield – Richard Hill
• Contribution to the Respect Programme Award – Allen Lewis
• Services to Devon County FA – Chris Stephens
• Steve Betts Memorial Trophy – Tim Wells
Fair Play Awards
• Boys – Railway Beacon U12
• Girls – Tavistock Community U14
The evening welcomed a special guest, Keryn Seal who is a member of the England and GB Blind Football squads. Keryn gave an interview on how he got involved, his career highlights, what he plans for the future and how he will utilise his recently awarded FA L1 Coaching Football Award, a fantastic achievement for someone who is blind! This insightful and interesting interview was well received and we wish Keryn well for the upcoming London 2012 Paralympics Games.
Everyone from the Devon FA wishes to congratulate all the award winners and thank every volunteer across the county for all the truly inspirational work they carry out on a weekly basis to ensure thousands of players have the opportunity to access football.
More details and pictures can be found by going to www.devonfa.com or http://miraclepr.photium.com/portfolio204272.html