The 2022 England Football and McDonald’s Grassroots County Award Winners for Cumberland were announced earlier in the season.
Cumberland FA has been applauding the various winners in the 2022 England Football and McDonald’s Grassroots County Award scheme.
The awards recognise and celebrate the people who put their heart and soul into the grassroots game across England.
After receiving nominations from across Cumberland in the nine categories, an awards panel was brought together to select the county winners for each award.
A spokesman said: “Everyone at Cumberland FA would also like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate someone for an award.
“Without the fantastic grassroots football volunteers in Cumberland there would be no opportunities for thousands to play each week across the county.”
Grassroots Club of the Year – Maryport Athletic FC
The growth of the Club now boasts more than 200 members from Under 6 to open age teams, including Veterans. Maryport Athletic are an inclusive club welcoming all abilities to play the game in a fun and safe environment.
The volunteers work together to make a difference to those who are involved. With activities also organised off the football pitch to create a positive team environment, which also helps to improve the mental health of all participants.
Grassroots Coach (adult) of the Year – Eddie Williams (Newlaithes Ladies)
From being a parent on the side-line in the youth game to coaching the women’s team Eddie has now coached at Newlaithes for almost 15 years and his commitment to the club has been phenomenal.
Eddie’s dedication and encouragement to the team is well appreciated as every player is made to feel part of the club. They don’t just come to play football, the team is like a family with everyone looking out for each other and without Eddie’s management this wouldn’t be possible.
Grassroots Coach (Youth) of the Year – Peter Wise (Silloth FC)
Peter goes above and beyond for the football club and is 110% committed to providing opportunities for the young players in the Club.
The children are provided with a safe and happy environment to play in, in no small part thanks to Peter’s devotion and commitment.
Grassroots Volunteer of the Year – Caroline Newton (Calthwaite JFC)
Caroline has been secretary of Calthwaite JFC for 12 years and during this time goes above and beyond to ensure that everything at the club runs smoothly.
The amount of hard work Caroline puts in behind the scenes cannot be underestimated and the support given to volunteers across the club to provide playing opportunities for local children is second to none.
Grounds Team of the Year – Thursby Sport & Recreation Committee
Their commitment and dedication over the last 5/6 years to provide a fit for purpose facility for local adult and junior teams to use has been fantastic.
They have also raised in excess of £200,000 to refurbish the playing and changing facilities and provide ongoing support each year to maintain and keep the facilities to a high standard through the FA pitch Improvement Programme.
RISING Star of the Year – Matthew Rogerson
Still only 18 years old, Matthew has been promoted to a Level 4 referee.
Matthew is a dedicated and empathetic match official, demonstrating a maturity and confidence beyond his years. He earns Respect on the pitch and understands the modern game.As a junior footballer for nine years, Matthew understands and can share the feelings of others. In his spare time, he still supports and helps out with the grassroots club that he grew up with.
Matthew is reliable, has the right attitude, a dynamic spirit, and never takes things for granted taking all advice on board as he strives to be the best he can be.
Match Official of the Year – Cameron Sealby
Cameron is a young referee who consistently performed throughout last season and has been a positive role model, providing support to less experienced and new match officials. He consistently helps both players & spectators to understand his match decisions during games.
This award is well deserved, Cameron is a credit to the Referee Team across Cumberland and the County FA look forward to seeing his future progress.
Project of the Year– Tubby FC
This project has enabled more than 50 men to develop and reignite their love of football, when they perhaps didn’t believe it would be possible.
At its beginning, as the name suggests, it was targeted at the larger gentlemen in the community. However, it became apparent that there were serious issues locally around poor mental health, and the Club opened the doors to other men who were struggling mentally.
Tubby FC took a simple idea and not just made it work, but made it thrive across the local community.
The Spirit of Grassroots Football Award – Craig Bristoe (Whitehaven AFC)
As a founder member of the Whitehaven AFC Pan Disability section, Craig has supported the Club as well as the County Youth Ability Counts fixture programme to provide regular training and playing opportunities for a number of years.
Following the sudden passing of fellow coach Darren Buchanan who trained the older age group, Craig vowed to continue the work Darren started and continue his legacy within both the local community and county wide.
The nomination was made as Craig has continued the previous fantastic efforts from Darren and has supported and nurtured the young players through this time. He should be extremely proud of himself as we know Darren would be of him.
