Football volunteers from across the grassroots game in Berks & Bucks were celebrated last week (Thursday 25th July 2024) in an awards ceremony held at Royal Windsor Racecourse as the County FA held their annual Grassroots Football Awards Evening.

Hosted by Slough-based Sky Sports presenter, Fadumo Olow, grassroots football volunteers within Berks & Bucks were recognised for their extraordinary impact to the sport across fifteen categories spanning various areas of the game from Club of the Year, Coach of the Year to Impact of Football and Outstanding Contribution.

The Grassroots Football Awards provide an incredible opportunity to celebrate the people who make grassroots football great for everyone. The Awards are a way for the County FA to recognise the exceptional individuals who put their heart and soul into football across the region and who make a positive difference, for all.

As far as inspiring and emotional nights in football go, this was right up there. Of course, none of it would have been possible without the amazing individuals in attendance, their dedication and passion for local football and their belief in making the future of our game the best it can be.

Steph Clark, Football Communications Officer at Berks & Bucks FA said: “Events like the annual Grassroots Football Awards are always incredibly special as they provide a wonderful opportunity for us to recognise, thank and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our dedicated volunteer workforce.

“There are thousands of people involved in the grassroots game across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and South Oxfordshire who dedicate their time and effort to support clubs and leagues in their local communities to ensure grassroots football in our region goes ahead week in and week out. To be nominated for an award alone is a wonderful achievement, to be a shortlisted finalist or category winner is certainly cause for celebration and something everyone can be incredibly proud of – congratulations!”

Across the course of the 2023/24 season, thousands of grassroots football volunteers across the region worked tirelessly to create a fun, safe and welcoming game for all, showing the true power of football to connect people and change lives. Their combined efforts in their local communities enable thousands of adults and children to participate in the game we all love, and it was a pleasure to celebrate and recognise the passion, dedication, and commitment of the incredible volunteer workforce across Berks & Bucks.

England Football category Award winners

Grounds Team of the Year Award - Steve Mulford (East Hendred AFC)

Match Official of the Year Award - Hannah Harmsworth

Keeping Football Positive Award - Atia Nazmin (Wycombe Warriors)

The Lioness Award - Marlow FC

Young Volunteer of the Year Award - Antonio Abruzzese (Stoke Mandeville Girls)

New Volunteer of the Year Award - Jessica Hill-Thompson (EC7)

Coach of the Year (Female Pathway) Award - Julie Treadwell (Tilehurst Panthers)

Coach of the Year (Disability Pathway) Award - Emily McCarthy (Chalfont Saints)

Coach of the Year (Male Pathway) Award - John Newton (Woodley Utd)

Club of the Year Award - Chalfont Saints

The Bobby Moore Award - Lee Ramayon & Sukh Singh Khera (Delaford Colts)


Berks & Bucks FA category Award winners

Impact of Football Award - Bracknell Town Walking Football Club

EDI Champion of the Year Award - Zabihullah Liwal-Saam (Slough Refugee Support)

Volunteer of the Year Award - Paul Ferris (Woodley United)

Outstanding Contribution Award - Alan King (Allied Counties Youth League)