During National Volunteer Week and in the build up to our Weekend of Positivity, Cumberland FA are delighted to confirm the shortlists for the Grassroots Football Awards for 2024; which is another opportunity to celebrate the people who make grassroots football great for everyone across Cumberland!

The Grassroots Football Awards are here for you to say thank you to all the people and organisations who give their time to make football happen… our awesome volunteers who give so much week-in, week out, rain or shine. And they are for you, the parents, coaches, clubs, leagues, fellow volunteers, match officials etc to pass on your appreciation.

Earlier this season, more than 100 nominations were received for the local volunteers or Clubs who make a positive difference, and who put their heart and soul into football across our county. Everyone at Cumberland FA would also like to say thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate someone for an award.

The Awards are a time for us to say a huge thank you to those amazing people who inspire us all.

SHORTLISTS

CLUB OF THE YEAR

The Club who’s done something amazing…for their players, community or beyond.

• Aspatria Junior Football Club
• Warwick Wanderers Junior Football Club

MATCH OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR  

This Award is for who’s really impressed on match day. Who has helped create a positive matchday experience and shown dedication and commitment to playing a fairer game.

• Lauren Glynn
• Jak Little
• Bill Martin
• Leigh Musgrave
• Jackson Slack

YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Aged between 14-25 years, this Award is for who’s brought fresh energy as a young volunteer this season, who deserves thanks for sharing their time, skills, ideas and commitment.

• Jessica Russel (Northbank JFC)
• Kieron Nicholson (Maryport Amateurs FC)
• Nyla Beckwith (Windscale AFC)

NEW VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

This Award is for someone who started volunteering in 23/24 season and has had a real impact, making a positive difference.

• Chloe Bone (Allerdale Girls FC)
• Stephen Fisher (Mirehouse AFC)
• Liam Tyrrell (Whitehaven AFC)

GROUNDS TEAM OF THE YEAR

This Award goes to someone who creates a playing environment that’s always welcoming, ensuring that their facilities are at the heart of their communities and match-ready all year round. 

• Tom Banks (Kirkoswald FC)
• Dave Simmons (Greystoke FC)

KEEPING FOOTBALL POSITIVE AWARD

This Award is for a person, club, league or project run by volunteers that has used the power of football to improve others’ lives and has made a big difference in their community.

In particular, for example, have led to: Improved participant behaviour, a decrease in crime, an increase in youth engagement, a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, or even improved access for female or disability football.

• Howard Carpenter (St Bees JFC)
• Chris Middleton (Hilltop United FC)
• David Wise (St Joseph’s Walking Football)

COACH OF THE YEAR 

These next 3 categories are for the Coach who’s inclusive, encouraging and inspiring for players. A Coach who volunteers at a 1, 2 or 3 star England Football Accredited Club, or from an FA programme.

Helping players enjoy the game and reach their full potential, whilst creating a thriving learning environment for all. As part of the criteria, the winning coach must have an in-date DBS and first aid and a commitment to ongoing CPD.

COACH OF THE YEAR FEMALE PATHWAY

• Rob Campbell (Whitehaven AFC)
• Michael Crelling (Workington Diamonds)
• Gary Gregg (Whitehaven AFC)
• Stacey Eland (Allerdale Girls FC)

COACH OF THE YEAR DISABILITY PATHWAY

• Josh Allen (Carlisle Reivers)
• Mark Thompson (Workington AFC)

COACH OF THE YEAR MALE PATHWAY

• Malcolm Allison (Workington Reds U16 Blacks)
• Matthew Whyte-Earl (Carlisle Centurions)
• Patrick Malkinson (Bransty Rangers)
• Dan Percival (Warwick Wanderers AFC)
• Louise Pettitt (Maryport Athletic FC)

THE LIONESS AWARD

This Award is for a volunteer, club, league or project that’s improving the girls and women’s game for more girls and women by: Creating chances to coach, manage, administrate or officiate. Having a big impact in their community, on and off the pitch and using football to inspire positive change.

• Bryan Thompson (Allerdale Wildcats)
• Gillford Park Wildcats

BOBBY MOORE AWARD

This extra-special award is for the volunteer that represents the best of grassroots football. This is the first time the Award has been open to a public vote.

Someone or a team, club, league that’s s had a big impact over a period of time by: Retaining, recruiting or rewarding players and volunteers to ensure that their grassroots football provision is a true representation of the local community. Raising the profile of their organisation and its impact that’s helped bring their community together.

Continuously developed and sought to add value to their team, club, league or organisation.

• Bill Martin (Penrith & District Youth League)
• Neil McCrickard (West Cumberland Sunday League)
• Nick Stobbs (Warwick Wanderers AFC)

Cumberland FA will be announcing the 2024 Grassroots Football Award Winners in due course – keep an eye on our social media pages to see the announcements!

Once again, we’d like to say thank you to the Cumberland Football Volunteer Community, because without the fantastic grassroots football volunteers in Cumberland there would be no opportunities for thousands to play each week across the county.

Join in with our Weekend of Positivity and say #ThankingThoo to someone who has supported your grassroots football journey, whether you’re a parent / carer, coach, match official or volunteer! 

Find out more here