The Kent County FA is proud to confirm the 2009 Volunteer Football Workforce Award winners.
The County FA invited affiliated clubs and leagues to nominate volunteers for their outstanding contributions to grassroots football and are delighted to announce the six County Award Winners.
Below is a summary of the winning nominations:
Lee Keeler
“As player-manager of AFC Biddenden, Lee works tirelessly for the club organising sponsors and fund raising events to help fund the small village club including having his legs waxed and marshalling boot fairs. He also marks and mows the pitch, washes the kit, puts nets up (and down!) and the unenviable task of picking the team.
William Miller
“‘Willie’ joined Greenways Football Club in 1966 and soon became actively involved in the selection of teams and other clubs tasks and in 1978 he was approached and appointed club secretary and still holds the position to this day. Such is Willie’s dedication he also took on the first team managerial responsibilities as well as the same role with the reserve team all this while continuing as secretary and his other role as club treasurer. Willie organises all club functions and charity events and in my opinion without this dedication and commitment they would be no Greenways F.C. and at 61 years of age there is nothing that he is not involved in at the club.”
Steve Attaway
”Steve has been recognised for his eight years service to Borough Green Junior FC and the local communities. Steve, who is manager of the Under 16’s colts and has been since their formation at under 8’s is always committed to the principles of Fairplay and Respect. In addition to this Steve for the last three years he has undertaken the responsibility of kit and equipment management for the club while also refereeing all under 13 matches.”
Tracy Axford
“Faversham Strike Force F.C., celebrate 10 years of success this season with Tracy been recognised as an absolute stalwart after being appointed secretary in 1999. She handles all administration matters and the huge task of coordinating 13 from Under 6 – Under 16 relating to pitches, referees, equipment, fixtures and results relating to over 180 club members. In this time Tracy has also acted as manager for three seasons of the Under 6’s. She accepts all tasks with a constant smile whilst dealing with almost 30 managers as well as insisting on high standards and respect at all club events.”
Paul Lansdale
“Paul has demonstrated relentless ambition and passion for the development of Sevenoaks Town JFC since 2003. He is club chairman has successfully gained £9k grant to help implement Football in the Community programmes to increase participation. In the last two seasons Paul has transformed a small club into a widely recognised Community club and he remains modest and quietly gets on with his various roles”.
Robert Gouldson
“Robert took the role of Ditton Minors Under 12’ two years ago and ever since has dedicated all his spare time to working with all children and in addition to the day to day duties as a manager he produces training programme for all players. Rob has completed his Level 2 coaching course and this award is in recognition of his hard work and commitment”.
The County FA winners will be invited to the Kent FA Football Workforce Awards Evening in September where club officials will be presented with Winners Pennants.
Football Development Officer, Lee Suter praised the award winners by saying “The County FA recognise that volunteers form the backbone of football and play a vital role in helping to meet our objectives and on behalf of the Kent FA I would like to congratulate the winners on a tremendous achievement”.
The Kent County FA would like to thank all affiliated clubs and leagues for their continued support and all nominations.
For further details on the awards or club development please email lee.suter@kentfa.com.