Norfolk FA recognises its volunteers at awards evening

Norfolk FA chairman Michael Banham, right, with new deputy chairman Ben Casey Picture: Christiaan Partridge Photography (Image: Archant)

After weeks of nominations and short-listing, the event saw a host of awards presented to deserving individuals, clubs and leagues whose tireless work ensures football is played each weekend around the county.

Amongst the accolades were the Norfolk FA Long Service awards, the FA Groundsman of the Year Award, Safeguarding Volunteer of the Year award and the FA & McDonald's Grassroots Football awards for the 2018/19 season.

Special guests invited to mark the occasion and take part in Q&As as well as to present awards were Premier League referee Kevin Friend, three-time Paralympian and England's all-time leading goal scorer, David Clarke, and former Norfolk U18s captain turned professional Norwich City player, Billy Johnson.

Former Lioness Rachel Unitt was also scheduled to attend to discuss the rising popularity of the women's game, but unfortunately had to withdraw due to illness.

David Todd (Earsham FC) 10 years as a club officer, presented by Michael Banham and Billy Johnson Picture: Christiaan Partridge Photography (Image: Archant)

Norfolk FA chairman Michael Banham commented on the success of the evening, which saw almost 200 people in attendance, and the importance of recognising such outstanding commitment to grassroots football.

"Once again our annual Volunteers' Awards evening was a brilliant occasion in which we were able to recognise and reward the fantastic volunteer workforce we have in Norfolk," he said.

"We hosted the evening at The Space, Norwich for the first time and I'm sure all would agree that the venue was superb.

"I would like to thank all involved for making the evening such a success, especially our guest speakers, Billy Johnson, Kevin Friend and David Clarke and I would also like to place on record my thanks to Chaplin Farrant for once again supporting the evening and the rewarding of our volunteers."

Tasburgh FC Grassroots Club of the Year Picture: Christiaan Partridge Photography (Image: Archant)

AWARD WINNERS

Grassroots League of the Year - The Norfolk & Suffolk Youth League

Respect Award - We Only Do Positive - The Norfolk & Suffolk Youth League

Steve Finch receives his Groundsman of the Year award from chairman Michael Banaham and David Clarke Picture: Christiaan Partridge Photography (Image: Archant)

Grounds Team of the Year - Nicky Wood & Neil Coop (North Walsham Town FC)

Rising Star of the Year - Matt Friend

Match Official of the Year - Karl Smith

Grassroots Project of the Year (Highly Commended) - Norfolk Women's & Girls' League (Mental Health Awareness)

Swaffham's Ray Ewart, Highly Commended Volunteer of the Year Picture: Christiaan Partridge Photography (Image: Archant)

Grassroots of the Year (Highly Commended) - Woodton United FC (LGBT Inclusivity)

Grassroots Project of the Year - Match of the Dads

Supporter of the Year - Darrell Allen

Grassroots Club of the Year - Tasburgh FC

Darrel Allen, Supporter of the Year Picture: Christiaan Partridge Photography (Image: Archant)

Volunteer of the Year (Highly Commended) - Ray Ewart (Swaffham Town FC)

Volunteer of the Year - Nathan Pauling (Taverham FC)

Coach of the Year - Jason White (Costessey Sports FC)

Woodton United FCs Zak Nelson receiving the Highly Commended award for Grassroots Project of the Year for their work around LGBT Inclusivity. Woodton United also received their certificate and corner flags for becoming Norfolks first accredited LGBT Inclusive club Picture: Christiaan Partridge Photography (Image: Archant)

The Peter Smith Groundsman of the Year Award

FA Groundsman of the Year (Norfolk) - Steve Finch (Wells Town FC)

The Norfolk FA Long Service Awards

Match of the Dads Grassroots Project of the Year. Paul Goddfrey (founder) being presented the award with Norfolk FA chairman Michael Banham and Kevin Friend Picture: Christiaan Partridge Photography (Image: Archant)

10 Years' Service as a Club Officer - David Todd (Earsham FC)

15 Years' Service as a Club Officer - Mark Jeffries (Homecare United FC)

25 Years' Service as a Club Officer - Simon Bell (Bridgham United FC)

10 Years' Service as a League Officer - Darren Iles (Norfolk Combined Youth League)

Norfolk Womens & Girls Football League Highly Commended Grassroots Project of the Year. Louise Riseborough accepting the Highly Commended Award on behalf of the league Picture: Christiaan Partridge Photography (Image: Archant)

15 Years' Service as a League Officer - Michael Mills (Norfolk Combined Youth League)

15 Years' Service as a League Officer - James Harris (Norfolk Combined Youth League)

15 Years' Service as a League Officer - Mel Perkins (Norfolk Combined Youth League)

15 Years' Service as a League Officer - Ann Hayek (Norfolk Combined Youth League)

Karl Smith, Grassroots Match Official of the Year Picture: Christiaan Partridge Photography (Image: Archant)

15 Years' Service as a League Officer - Paul Emblem (Norfolk & Suffolk Youth League)

25 Years' Service as a League Officer - John Watson (The Anglian Combination League)

15 Years' Service to the Norfolk County FA Council - John Day

John Watson (Anglian Combination League ) 25 years as a League Official, with Kevin Friend Picture: Christiaan Partridge Photography (Image: Archant)

The Norfolk FA Safeguarding Volunteer of the Year Award - Amanda Sheehy (Horsford FC)

Norfolk County FA Volunteers' Awards Evening: Winners

Winners