Cumberland FA have confirmed the shortlists for the Grassroots Football Awards of 2024.
The Grassroots Football Awards were created to say thank you to all the people and organisations who give their time to make football happen.
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 the county.
Finalists
Club of the year
The club which has 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 has really impressed on match day, who has helped create a positive match day 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 and 25, 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 three categories are for the coach who is 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 Earl-White (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.
