If you missed it, the winners of the John Twentyman Spirit of Football Awards for the 2023-24 season were recently announced on BBC Radio Cumbria’s Friday Night Sports Show. 

In its second season the awards are in memory of John Twentyman who was a true football man and who epitomised fair play and the spirit of the game throughout his long and distinguished involvement within football. 

The awards look to recognise those who have displayed, through their actions, a truly memorable sporting moment or have demonstrated a continued commitment to positive football throughout the season. 

Entries were received from across the game and highlighted how much good is done through and within grassroots football.  Entries were then whittled down to a shortlist of 7, which were then put to the public and these scores were then combined with those from a judging panel made up of members from Cumberland FA's Positive Football Advisory Group, CFA Chairman (Adam Pattison), John's son and daughter (Nancy and Jack) and Paul Newton (BBC Radio Cumbria Sport).

Highly Commended 

In 3rd place was Alex Murgatroyd (Warwick Wanderers) who is the lead coach at U9 (moving to U10 this season) for Warwick Wanderers Whites, and who saved the team from folding at the end of last season (2022-23) and he was recognised as someone who clearly wants the best for all the players.

Runner up was Border City FC who were recognised for their support of players with their mental health and weight loss which is literally changing lives through football. 

Both win a £50 voucher to spend at our kit partners kitlocker.com. 

The Winner 

However, the clear winner in both the public and panel voting was Jack Musgrave and Calthwaite Junior Football Club. 

Jack Musgrave is a football-mad teenager who supports Carlisle United and who played for Calthwaite JFC last season. 

Jack was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, after which, both Jack and his teammates at have displayed such a positive outlook.

Jack, who is now in remission but him, his family and his teammates truly epitomise positivity.

Jack will receive a £50 voucher for kitlocker.com and, thanks to our partners Carlisle United FC and specifically Tom and Patty Piatak, a unique experience from Carlisle United.  Calthwaite will receive a £100 kitlocker.com voucher and a FA Respect Package worth over £300.  

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD 

The CFA have also look to award a Special Recognition Award and it was agreed that this would be given to Scotby FC. 

 A little over a year ago Scotby FC were rocked by the devasting and shocking news that one of their players, John McKenna, had died while on holiday in a tragic accident.

The club quickly came together to support each other, as well as John’s friend and most importantly his family.  They liaised with the CFA to set up a minute’s applause across all grassroots football and at Carlisle United FC, and more recently arranged a festival in his memory raising money for Jack The Lad Foundation who campaign for safer holiday abroad and assisted the family repatriation.

This season their performances on the pitch has been far outweighed by the class, compassion, and humility that the club and all involved have displayed off it.
Scotby FC win a £100 voucher for our kit partners kitlocker.com and, thanks to Carlisle United FC, a match day experience at the club.

A huge thanks to all those who took the time to submit a nomination. 

Well done to all those who were shortlisted. 

Cumberland FA will be in touch with all winners to confirm details and arrange delivery of their prizes.