The Cumberland FA Grassroots & Positive Football Awards Celebration brought together the winners for 2023-24.
In addition volunteers who were shortlisted for the John Twentyman Spirit of Football Awards and the Positive Football League Fair Play Award winners (selected by their local league) were present.
Special guest was Cameron Meighan, the opposition Analyst for the US Women’s National Team. His football journey had started in Cumberland, took him to London and now the United States.
Cameron talked about his path to working alongside Emma Hayes with Chelsea FC Women and the US National Team, before he took part in a question and answer session.
The Grassroots Football Awards are part of England Football National Awards and in 2024 Cumberland had the most nominations since records began, which is another recognition of the enormous amount of work that goes on across the county.
Nominations were open in the summer for the awards in memory of a true footballing man and a gentleman in John Twentyman who epitomised fair play and the spirit of the game throughout his long and distinguished involvement within football in the county.
They look to recognise those who have displayed, through their actions, a truly memorable sporting moment or continued commitment to positive football throughout the season.
Following the nomination process, a short-list was created and voting took place, with a public vote as well as a panel which included John’s family members.
The Winner of the 2024 John Twentyman Award went to Jack Musgrave of Calthwaite Junior Football Club.
Jack was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, after which, both Jack and his teammates displayed a hugely positive outlook supporting him through his treatment, organising fundraising activities and showing their support throughout.
The brilliant news, on top of that, is Jack is now in remission.
Scotby FC received special recognition for bringing a local community, as well as the football community together, following the tragic loss of one of their players last summer.
The shortlisted nominees were invited along as a gesture to show the county’s gratitude for their dedication to grassroots football and for their part in making a difference in the local game.
Shortlisted nominees Gay Frankland, Amy Hickson and Leon Green were unable to attend this evening but will receive their certificates in due course.
As part of their continued commitment towards recognising and rewarding those people and clubs that create a positive behavioural culture within their team and/or grassroots club, the county FA have worked with their respective partner leagues to award a Positive Football League Fair Play Award for each external league to present to a team or club of its choice.
Each league was presented with data for each of its member teams and clubs, which highlighted their discipline statistics, and, in the case of the youth league, a collated FA Respect score based on the matchday Respect scores submitted after games within certain age groups, to assist them with their decision.
The FA Long Service Award was presented to Steve McMahon who has been involved in football for more than 50 years in different roles (player, referee, volunteer).
Beginning his football journey aged 16, Steve began his referee journey eight years later following an injury that curtailed his playing days; this was 48 years ago and he continues to officiate locally today.
Steve was presented with his award by Cumberland FA chair Adam Pattison.
