Grassroots Awards 2021/22

Message from Shropshire FA Chairman “A very pleasant good evening to one and all, thank you for being with us tonight, from our most senior members who’ve been diligently supporting us since the beginning as well as every new face to our annual Community Awards, we extend a warm welcome.

On behalf of my team, I sincerely thank and acknowledge every one of you who donates their time to ensure grassroots football continues to thrive. Volunteers are the cornerstone of grassroots football and the reliance is understated and sometimes taken for granted, tonight we recognise just a few of the many dedicated to our national game”.

Dave Simpson

Menu Prawn Roulade GF Tomato & Basil Soup V

Chicken Dinner GF Mushroom, Cranberry & Brie Wellington V

Red Velvet Cheesecake Available GF

Grassroots Awards Youth Team Coach Of The Year Adult Team Coach Of The Year Project Of The Year Award Club Of The Year Award Grounds Team Of The Year Award Volunteer Of The Year Award Rising Star Of The Year Award Match Official Of The Year League Of The Year Award Spirit Of Grassroots Football Award

Youth Team Coach of the year Nominees season 2021/22 Kieran Mountford Tom Wellings Stuart Baldwin

Kieran Mountford “From a personal view, if not for Kieran my daughter wouldn’t be playing football. The joy it brings to her I only have him to thank. Times that by all the other girls across all the age groups with in Shifnal town and there is a lot of happiness because of him.

He puts his absolute heart and soul into his team as well as coaching various other teams in his spare time. Shifnal Town girls has grown from 1 team up to 9 teams of all ages from his advertising and his recruitment alone not to mention all his fund raisers and charity work for the club .

His love and passion towards his team and all the other girls team that he help build.”

Tom Wellings “Tom goes above and beyond not only with the children but parents to.

He has become a friend as well as a coach, nothing is too much for Tom whether this be a league game or taking the boys to a football match at wolves on the weekend just so they can experience it.

Tom has made our whole team become a solid foundation of friends across the team and adults, mums have fallen in love with the game and we all look forward to a Sunday all thanks to Tom, we hope to be in his team for many years to come.

Tom is completely selfless, his life Is football…not sure he does anything else!”.

Stuart Baldwin “Stu is, quite simply, the most amazing, committed and supportive youth coach. Over the last 3 years he has dedicated his time to nurturing and developing our team, which is made up of boys from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities, into the most successful team in their league and respective age group for last two years running.

Stu ALWAYS goes above and beyond to ensure the boys feel appreciated and valued whilst making sure they have fun and enjoy themselves.

He chooses not to award “best player” and similar as he believes that all of the boys contributions are vital and of equal importance. Stu treats everyone fairly and with respect and always expects the boys to conduct themselves by the same values. As parents, we have the utmost respect and admiration for Stu.”

Adult Team Coach of the year Nominees season 2021/22 Steve Rogers Pete Field Liam Braisdell

Steve Rogers “Steve was already a manager of a very successful youth team and approached Shrewsbury Juniors in 2016 and said that he wanted to start up an adult team, he wanted to keep those players and provide the opportunity for Shrewsbury Junior players to potentially always play for Shrewsbury juniors.

He has become the heart of our SJFC 1st team. Because of him the team are a group of friends. He has organised fundraising events for the local community and our local hospital including taking Easter eggs into local schools and care homes. They supplied food for the food banks and took gifts into hospital to thank the NHS. He is a fantastic role model and footballer. He has so much talent and experience to pass onto our youth and adults and is a thoroughly nice guy.”

Pete Field “Pete has formed the team this year (the club's first adults team) and galvanised a mixed group to an incredible season. He's brought in players from different backgrounds, cultures & levels - blending them perfect to play some of the best football you'll see in the county league. All lads playing with nothing but enjoyment which has brought so much success.

The style of football for the level we're playing at is one thing, but its the way Pete has made lads who haven't always enjoyed the game absolutely love it again. He's taken us to the county cup quarter final, a top 4 finish in the league & the league cup final. He's been able to give lads another/their first chance in adults football and has attracted lads from a higher level.

We've even had players turn down clubs at step 5 (with plenty of money) to stay for him”.

Liam Braisdell “Liam has lead the under 18’s team in 2020/2021 before taking the same team into adult football this season. He has had 9 players involved in first team fixtures this season and 4 involved when they were in the under 18’s. Liam was then appointed as interim first team manager in extremely difficult circumstances for the club.

Liam has done many roles from washing kit, attending meetings, changing room cleaning, planning and coaching sessions. Getting home in ridiculously late hours with work the following morning.

All planning for weekend fixtures ensuring both first team and reserves are covered.”

Project of the year Nominees season 2021/22 Shropshire Junior Football League Bridgnorth Town Juniors

Shropshire Junior Football League “The SJFL offers football for all young players in Shropshire but despite the workload of running a youth league recognise the struggles of illness, disability & hardship.

SJFL through various avenues of fundraising projects £35000 has been raised over the last 10 years.

Our main project was the Christmas Toy Appeal saw bags of new toys/games donated & £850 went to buy more toys/games.

Through our referee sponsorship scheme we pay for any young person who wants to become a referee in the SJFL. With our Respect Partners The Georgia Williams Trust we have supported 12 people to become a referee.”

Bridgnorth Town Juniors #Bootroom “Richard has driven a new initiative within our club and local community to try to make sport accessible, affordable and keeping equipment out of landfill.

Launching #Bootroom which encourages the local sporting community to donate their old boots and kit once they've grown out of them so that we can redistribute them to those who want or need them. you can either swap for a larger pair or pick the next size up.”

Club of the year Nominees season 2021/22 Prees Juniors Football Club Shrewsbury Up & Comers Shrewsbury Juniors

Prees Juniors Football Club “Prees Junior FC provide a happy comfortable and quality coaching, attracting children from 5 years old all the way up to adult football, from the village of Prees and surrounding areas and as far away as Newport and Telford.

Prees have a committee that is dedicated to ensuring that all children under their care are treated equally and fairly and that all coach's meet the minimum required qualifications to protect the children in their care, Prees often post questionnaires to their coaches and parents to ensure that they are providing a service that is up to an acceptable standard and if anything needs to be addressed, it is done so.”

Shrewsbury Up & Comers “The club works tirelessly to form new football teams within the community and to promote grassroots football. They always put the welfare of the children at the heart of everything they do.

They constantly ensure fair play and good sportsmanship for every team within their club. Safeguarding, safety and enjoyment are the clubs top priorities.

They ask and remind parents it is all about the children expressing themselves and enjoying the sport. They are very well organised and have some very caring and dedicated individuals who ensure the smooth running of the club and the happiness of everyone involved.”

Shrewsbury Juniors “Shrewsbury Juniors provides football for currently 22 teams for both boys and girls from creche to adults. It is run by a committee of volunteers who work tirelessly. They always strive to run the club in the correct way. We affiliate to 6 different league's. We are always open to new ideas and are always ready to try and promote anything new.

Because of what we do hundreds of children have the opportunity to play football from creche to adults. This creates friendships, provides exercise, promotes self worth, teaches discipline. These values are especially important to us at the moment as we are dealing with the impact that covid has had on everyone.”

Grounds Team of the year Nominees season 2021/22 AFC Bridgnorth Town Shifnal Town FC Market Drayton Town FC

AFC Bridgnorth Town “Simon tends to all the ground care needs at AFC Bridgnorth in his spare time fitting it in around his own busy job.

The playing area and surrounding stands are kept in top condition.

Not only does Simon ensure the pitch is always in the best possible condition but he also tends to all other grounds maintenance including blocked toilets and drains which is a most unenviable task.

The improvement of the ground for both players and supporters is unmeasurable since Simon took over 2 years ago. A threadbare pitch with a terrible surface has been transformed. Along with the surrounding area now being a match for any visiting teams in our division.”

Shifnal Town FC “Mark suffered a very rear illness 2 years ago where he was paralysed from the neck down STFC Chairman helped Mark in his progress and gave him the role as groundsman at Shifnal Town.

In his last year his role has taught him how to maintain a good pitch and all the everyday duties that is involved. He cuts and rolls the pitch, spikes it, marks the lines out and does all the odd jobs needed.

Mark keeps 2 pitches in great condition allowing football to be played at the Acoustafoam stadium for all ages on amazing facilities from young guns right threw to the Ladies and Men’s teams.”

Market Drayton Town “The team have transformed not only the playing surface but all the facilities at Greenfields. There most outstanding quality apart from hard work is there ability to enthuse others and donate time and resources. The teams average age is 70 with each member donating 20 hours each week.

Visiting teams are always very impressed with the hard-work and dedication put in by these often unsung vital members of their respective clubs. This team stands out because of the solidarity of a mature team donating so many hours per week to achieve a common goal, when quite often 2 matches are played on a roll the pitch will be rolled and marked out ready for each game (in between games). The commitment show by a group of volunteers is exceptional.”

Volunteer of the year Nominees season 2021/22 Simon Lee Paul Jackson Rebecca Jones

Simon Lee “Simon is club president but also club development officer.

Simon has been a volunteer at the club and beyond for over 10 years and is so passionate about grassroots football.

Simon is a pivotal member of the club and local community and has helped grow the club. He gives up so much of his time in addition to his full time job and also volunteering at the local hospital, which he also did throughout covid.

Simon is a well loved character in our local community and recognised outside the club for his contribution to football.”

Paul Jackson

“Paul goes above and beyond within his club. He not only coaches his own team but also helps out other teams within the club, he often Mark’s out the pitches and is just constantly on hand to help out in anyway with advice, guidance and practical sessions. He is also the vice chairman of our club and provides help and reassurance to our managers all the time.

He’s made a massive impact as he is respected in some many roles.

Coach, friend, referee, mentor, committee member and father.

I would say there is no member of our club who doesn’t have the upmost respect for him. He is looked up to and is a role model to new coaches”.

Rebecca Jones “Becky is truly an amazing individual, and an absolute asset to Grassroots football.

She takes an interest in everything we do and has inspired many of our Coaches to take on extra roles in the Club.

Becky's impact on the Club has been dramatic.”

Rising Star of the year Nominees season 2021/22 Josh Gosnell Jack Cole Ollie Bott

Josh Gosnell “Josh is a role model and fantastic person for our young players to be around. For a person of Josh’s age to be giving up so much of his time to support grassroots football is amazing and Josh should rightly be recognised for his contribution.

Josh is a fantastic player, coach and referee. He is a role model and ambassador for our club and I can’t thank and praise him enough for his contribution to grassroots football.

Josh has a positive approach to his refereeing but ensures that the rules of the game and sportsmanship is always adhered to, helping kids develop both football and social skills in a safe and friendly environment.”

Jack Cole “Jack is 19 years old and now the head coach of Bridgnorth Town Juniors U13s team working with the players since they started as U10s.

Jack has always taken time to properly plan and deliver engaging coaching sessions and matches every week for the team. He regularly delivers 3+ hours of coaching sessions per week on top of organising weekly matches for the team and will often be found checking pitch conditions and marking out the pitch.

Jack is a fantastic role model for all the players.

A keen sportsman himself, Jack has competed worldwide for Team GB in the Modern Pentathlon discipline - Biathle, winning medals at National, European level.”

Ollie Bott “Over the last season we have seen Ollie grow and grow as he has taken on a media position within the club, speaking with players and staff and giving updates on his new twitter account.

He continues to push himself and learn new techniques to allow himself to be better for himself and the club.”

Match Official of the year Nominees season 2021/22 Scott Davies Ryan Tinsley Jason Keeley

Scott Davies “Without people like Scott, football would not take place. He as a calm approach when officiating and this rubs off on the players.

His all round ability and commitment to football. He will go anywhere to ref and he is keen to help.

Officiated over 30 games in the middle, plenty of Assistant Referee appointments and got promoted 3 seasons on the bounce. His admin is spot on and very diligent.”

Ryan Tinsley “Ryan is 14 and has played football on teams for the club and is an inspiration to the younger players who can see there are others ways to be involved in the game , always smartly turned out and friendly to all participants.

As a young and outstanding young man. I first came into contact with Ryan when he administered first aid to my daughter who suffered a bad asthma attack . He quickly responded and knew exactly what to do , and stayed with her until help arrived. We are very grateful for Ryan’s actions on this day and we will be forever grateful to him . I feel this award would show our gratitude for this .”

Jason Keeley “Jason has been a referee for more than 12 years and he is very experienced referee and has officiated at many international competitions.

Jason has a good way of communicating to players and explains the reasons why the whistle has blown or decisions made.

His attitude on the field of play is always respectful and he knows how to calm a situation down without having to shout. Jason will travel out of his area to referee and often does two games every Sunday.

Jason has achieved refereeing over a 1,000 games. When he hit the 1,000 game on November 7th the teams gave him a guard of honour as he walked onto the pitch. Jason is one referee we would hate to loose.

We think he deserves recognition for his role of referee & the years of service he has given to football.”

League of the year Nominees season 2021/22 Shropshire Girls & Women’s Football League Shropshire Junior League Telford Junior League

Telford Junior League “TJYFL have facilitated football in the Telford area for over 3000 children (an increase of 11% from 2020/21 Season) playing in 300 teams.

Providing 2500 matches in League, Futsal and Cups.

Despite Covid, weather and other factors the League has managed to complete the Season in all age groups finishing with 6 days of Finals for 58 teams.

The League has also supported the local community donating over £2000 from Charity and League funds to local charities.”

Shropshire Girls & Women’s Football League “I would like to nominate Shropshire Women's and Girls Football League for league of the year. The league has grown from strength to strength with a very small number of volunteer committee members. The league offers grassroots football to girls throughout the rural county of Shropshire and now have teams representing each corner of the county.

They stand out due to the hard work and dedication that the league have put it to give equality.”

Shropshire Junior League “SJFL are zealous in creating a league that is inclusive, tackling discrimination. We are an England Accredited where we meet all requirements & continue to work to improve the league. SJFL has 18 clubs, 264 teams to include 129 development teams, 60 futsal teams & 2560 registered players.

Our Charity Cup Finals we donated £929 to PRISM (Local bereavement/counselling services) with proceeds from donations/gate receipts.

We pride ourselves in all aspects of Safeguarding to ensure all players play in an enjoyable & safe environment. Work hard, very proactive in implementing new initiatives & believe in working alongside the SFA.”

Spirit of Football Nominees season 2021/22 Robert Coulman Ian Preece

Robert Coulman

“Rob has been a great server of Madeley Sports Football club. This year will mark Rob's 30th Year in Grass Roots Football.

He is not only the manager but he is a friend and father figure to anyone seeking advice or guidance.

To run a grassroots football team takes time dedication and a lot of commitment, Rob has been doing this for coming up to 30 years and the impact he has had on so many different people is outstanding.

Not only is Rob involved in the football team but he also volunteers for MIND mental health and is always looking to help and contribute to different charities in anyway possible also getting lads from the team involved too.”

Ian Preece “Ian includes everyone and helps all teams from Disability, Girls, Women, Boys, and Men's teams. Who ever the play for does not matter to Ian, he will always find time to coach, organise, or what any team or person needs. No problem to big or small. He really does go that extra mile.

He as made the local area more caring and sharing. Not just with football but off the pitch as well. Getting more people into activities, what ever there ability Sport and wellbeing for all the community.

Ian treats everyone the same, I wish there were more people in the world like Ian. There would be no conflicts or wars. The world would be a better place.”

Season 2020/21 Awards

Season 2020/21 Awards