Northants Football Grassroots Award Winners 2024
Northants Football Grassroots Award Winners 2024
We are thrilled to announce this year’s grassroots award winners! These awards celebrate the exceptional work our network of referees, coaches, and volunteers delivered across the 2023/2024 season. We are honoured to recognise your contributions with this highlighting the great volunteer work produced by our football community that helps the game grow and develop in the Northamptonshire and Peterborough area.
With 83 nominations across twelve categories, it great to see so many people putting forward individuals and teams that have not only had a major impact on themselves but also the people around them.
Here are the categories for this year’s awards and the deserving winners:
🔺Club of the Year
Recognizing the club that has shown exemplary performance both on and off the pitch, fostering a positive environment for players and supporters alike.
Winner: Glinton & Northborough
Why they were nominated: ‘Glinton & Northborough are a very well organised Club who have worked very hard this season with Managers, players & spectators following the Respect Code of Conduct, this has been recognised by some opposition Managers who have sent letters of praise to the League.
This is a family Club which brings players, parents, and siblings together where they can meet and enjoy their football whether they win or lose’.
🔺24 League of the Year
Honouring the league that has provided an outstanding competitive and organizational structure, promoting fair play and development.
Winner: Northants Women & Girls League
Why they were nominated: ‘The Northamptonshire Women and Girls League is a football league dedicated to providing opportunities for females of all ages to participate in football. The league offers various divisions and age groups, allowing players to compete at a level that matches their skill and experience. The support and enthusiasm shown by spectators, as well as the positive behaviour displayed by all involved, are a testament to the growing popularity and respect for women's football in the county. These finals served as a shining example of the great strides in promoting and growing the sport for women and girls.’
🔺24 Match Official of the Year
Celebrating the referee who has demonstrated exceptional fairness, consistency, and dedication throughout the season.
Winner: Andy McGowan
Why they were nominated: ‘Andy joined the Peterborough Junior Alliance 2 seasons ago taking on the position of Referee Secretary one of the hardest positions in Grassroots Football The league has over 470 teams so is appointing well over 200 referees over Saturdays & Sundays every week as the League runs age groups from U/7 to Under 14 the majority of our referees are trainees aged from 14 to 16 , Andy does a brilliant job helping and looking after them and making sure they are appointed to games suitable to their ability as they progress.’
🔺24 Young Volunteer of the Year
Acknowledging the young volunteer who has shown remarkable commitment and passion for supporting grassroots football.
Winner: Connie Chaplin
Why they were nominated: ‘Connie is always there for the players especially my daughter who has suffered with anxiety and stress. When Connie arrives at training either at U13s or development squad the girls faces light up. They will always rush over to greet her and be excited to show her the skills they have mastered that she helped teach them.
Connie is the kindest young lady, she gives so much of her time to help out with girls football at the club. Every Wednesday evening, Thursday evening and Saturday morning you will find Connie at the club, for a 16 year old to give so much time and put in so much effort it is amazing’
🔺24 New Volunteer of the Year
Recognizing a new volunteer who has quickly become an integral part of the grassroots football community through their enthusiasm and hard work.
Winner: Phil Catterall
Why they were nominated: ‘Not only has Phil taken on so many volunteer roles within our club which helps it run smoothly and helps matches and training go ahead, he is the friendliest face to see. He is always happy to have a chat, listen, help others and he has a fantastic sense of humour. The club is a happier place with Phil around as a person. We recently ran a Mental Health Charity Quiz and Phil spoke openly about things he's been through in his life and offered genuine support to others. It got a few of the lads to open and talk about their own struggles.’
🔺24 Grounds Team of the Year
Honouring the team responsible for maintaining excellent playing conditions and facilities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all.
Winner: Marc Pether
Why they were nominated: 'Marc has been the groundsman down at Folly Road, the home of the Deanshanger Colts, for a number of years, and each season he increases his time spent on maintaining and improving the playing surfaces on five pitches. Whether its spending time on the clubs' tractor, (MOW Farah) cutting the grass, or sweeping the all weather astro to remove the moss he is always up to something. When you ask what difference has Marc made to others lives, well its not only the Children of the Colts who have benefited, but the hundred of kids from other clubs who have played matches at Folly Road when their other ground has been water logged. If every club had a Marc Pether, Grassroots football would be a better place. Until then, the Deanshanger Colts and Girls Football Club have a great asset in Marc, so Hands Of '
🔺24 Keeping Football Positive Award
Celebrating the individual or group that has gone the extra mile to promote positivity, sportsmanship, and a supportive atmosphere in football.
Winner: Andy Murray
Why they were nominated: ’Andy has coached the Jaguars (now u9s) for several years. He is the most inclusive coach! He does it for everyone - new to the village? Passing through? Fancy a kick about- join training. Fun and teamwork over results, he's shown the way to parents about letting the kids be centre, quietly stopped the sideline coaching, focused on encouragement, and built a community where support and praise comes first.’
🔺24 Coach of the Year Female Pathway
Acknowledging the coach who has made significant contributions to developing female football talent and encouraging participation.
Winner: Amy Wyles
Why they were nominated: ‘Amy Wyles is a dedicated volunteer who tirelessly serves the OTFC community in various capacities. Primarily, she devotes her time and energy to the U15 girls team as their coach, where she not only imparts valuable football skills but also fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for all players. Amy works tirelessly to drive the club forward and enhance the experience for everyone involved, striving to make OTFC a better place for players and volunteers alike.’
🔺24 Coach of the Year Disability Pathway
Honoring the coach dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities and fostering talent within the disability pathway.
Winner: Russell Ball
Why they were nominated: ‘From a parent Russell has developed into a coach who all the adult players look up to and respect him. Russell is his own man and has built excellent relationships with the players over the years and as well as coaching on a Friday night takes the teams to play in the BOBI league and the newly formed Peterborough Inclusive league. Although the players sometimes get fed up of Russell's first love which is rugby union they all don't mind the occasional chat about England Rugby as long as Russell is happy and quickly moves onto football. Russell coaching skills and putting the players first has helped develop the players over the years.’
🔺24 Coach of the Year Male Pathway
Recognizing the coach who has excelled in developing male footballers and contributing to the sport’s growth.
Winner: Paul Dredge
Why they were nominated: ‘I cannot overstate the profound difference Paul has made in the lives of the children under his guidance. Many parents have expressed their gratitude for the positive influence he has had on their children, both on and off the pitch. His mentorship extends beyond football skills, as he instills important values such as teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance. His impact reaches far beyond the football pitch, shaping the character and future of the young athletes he mentors.’
🔺24 The Lioness Award
Celebrating an individual who has made a significant impact on women's football, inspiring players and promoting the sport.
Winner: Jo Scully
Why they were nominated: ‘Jo is amazing she has taken our club for 0 girls teams to 5 successful girls teams. As a mother of 3 girls, Jo's commitment and passion to the female game is inspiring, she is leading the way to show that girls have a place in topflight football. Jo has put in so much time and effort with many of the girls but she has worked with and supported my daughter in so many ways I am so grateful.’
🔺24 Bobby Moore AwardHonoring a person who exemplifies the spirit of grassroots football through exceptional dedication, passion, and service to the game.
Winner: Tony Nash
Why they were nominated: ‘Tony's dedication to grassroots football over the past 40 years plus is truly commendable. His work with the Peterborough and District Junior Alliance, which boasts over 3000 youth players, showcases his commitment to ensuring that the league represents the entire area it covers. Tony's role in providing support and advice to new and existing clubs demonstrates his desire to pass on his wealth of experience and knowledge to others in the game. Tony is truly an exceptional individual who has left a lasting impact on everyone he meets.’
A huge congratulations to all the winners and nominees! Your hard work and commitment is truly inspiring. Let’s continue to support and grow our grassroots football community together. 🙌⚽
Read more about the Grassroots Football Awards below: