The awards were presented at a special event in Letchworth this evening, giving us an opportunity to highlight the fantastic work being done by grassroots heroes across our county and give them the recognition their efforts deserve. 

The Grassroots Football Awards, known previously as The FA and McDonalds Community Awards, recognise and celebrate the work of individuals and groups to instill The FA’s PRIDE values – Progressive, Respectful, Inclusive, Determination and Excellent – and make a positive difference in their club, league or local community. 

Following receipt of a record 2,904 nominations across the country, The FA has worked alongside respective County FAs to select appropriate winners across 10 categories. The full list of Hertfordshire Grassroots Football Awards 2018 winners are: 

• Volunteer of the Year: Steve Anderson, Royston Town Youth FC 
• Young Volunteer of the Year: Luke Wilkins, Stevenage Starlets FC 
• Match Official of the Year: Freddie Faulkner
• The Respect Award: Axel Brett, Bury Rangers FC  
• Grounds Team of the Year: Pete Somerset, Parmiter’s School
• Community Project of the Year: Herts Youth Inclusive Football  
• Coach of the Year: Jason Levy, Bury Rangers FC
• Charter Standard Club of the Year: Stevenage Starlets FC

Greg Clarke, Chairman of The FA, said: 

"It’s been fantastic to see a record number of nominations for this year’s Grassroots Football Awards and hear so many stories of dedication and commitment throughout the grassroots game. 

"The selection of winners chosen alongside Hertfordshire FA represents the diverse nature of football in this country and I would like to congratulate each and every one for their inspirational work."

Speaking at the event this evening, George Wells, Acting Chief Executive of Hertfordshire FA, said: 

“We have just seen an amazing World Cup where we’ve all enjoyed watching our elite players competing on the global stage. At times like this when everyone is swept up in football fever, it’s easy to forget that football is about so much more than just the national team or the Premier League. 

Far from the glamour of huge stadiums and multi-millionaire superstars are an army of dedicated volunteers, who choose to give their time, rain or shine, just so that others can have the opportunity to play the game.

Our winners work to create a fun, safe and inclusive environment for everyone, always striving for the best – in themselves and those around them. They behave with fairness and integrity, with the passion and dedication to overcome challenges and have a truly positive impact in their community.

To us these are the real football heroes, and we are proud to celebrate their efforts tonight.”