For the last eight years, The FA Respect Awards have recognised those who uphold and implement those values in their local community by promoting best practice across every aspect of the game.
Eleven winners were chosen in July, from over 1000 nominations, by a judging panel made up of representatives from across football. The Awards recognise groups and individuals who demonstrate the values and behaviours of Respect: fairness, integrity, inclusion, initiative and leadership.
This year, categories are based on roles vital to making grassroots football happen every week across England. Particular emphasis is placed on those who demonstrate a positive impact on the behaviours of others.
We in the women’s game should be especially proud of three of the winners in the FA Respect Awards 2017, so here is a bit more about each:
PLAYER
Leia Rudge, Colchester Town Ladies, Essex FA
Colchester Town Ladies under-16 captain Leia Rudge joined the Eastern Region Women’s League outfit at the age of seven and has played throughout all their age groups. She is someone who all her teammates look up to for advice and guidance.
Leia has worn the armband for the past three years, leading by example, and has not missed a training session or match during her time as skipper. She is constantly reassuring and encouraging the other girls on her team.
“Leia has played a key part in helping me implement our guidelines of Respect,” said team manager Hannah Bingham, who put forward her captain for nomination for the award.
“Watching the girls on our team is evidence enough of the impact Leia’s attitude has had on the team. The respect shown by all girls to one another, and the sense of camaraderie that has developed, has stemmed from Leia’s positive influence on her teammates.
“She turns up an hour early to every game to help me set up the goals and line the pitch. Her calm demeanour, along with strong leadership on and off the pitch, has made managing our team that much better.”
MATCH OFFICIAL
Jawahir Roble, Football Beyond Borders, Middlesex FA
Jawahir, or JJ for short, is a 23-year-old Muslim referee, a Youth Leader with Middlesex FA and a volunteer with football charity ‘Kick It Out’.
She was nominated for the Respect Match Official award by Tom Perez from the football education charity ‘Football Beyond Borders’, who she also gives up her free time for.
He underlines why she has won this award. “JJ commands respect from everyone because she treats everyone fairly, with respect and dignity, and she generally has a smile on her face.
“She is inspiring women and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to become coaches, referees and players. There is not enough female or BAME role models who get the respect that they deserve.
“JJ has been a volunteer with Football Beyond Borders for many years, setting up our first community programme for women, but also recently volunteering to referee our biggest ever showcase match at the FBB Community Cup at Dulwich Hamlet.”
Jawahir added: “Refereeing isn’t easy, but when you do it well you get respect. You need to earn the respect, definitely.
“When I’d turn up at games they’d all raise an eyebrow. Of course, they’re surprised to see a Muslim girl refereeing, but I take charge, I show them what I’m about, I just say ‘listen, I love this game as much as you do, you respect me and I’ll respect you, let’s do this!’”
PARENT
Ross Juniors Royals parents, Herefordshire FA
As an all-girls team competing in the Herefordshire Juniors Boys League, opposing teams are often surprised to see the Ross Juniors Royals players, and the team has faced some tough challenges in a new environment. But the parents have watched and supported impeccably and positively as their daughters compete on the pitch.
The parents received five marks out of five for Respect from every other team’s coaches last season and as a club, Ross Juniors believe that the behaviour of the parents influences the girls and their attitude on the pitch. Both have put the team in an extremely positive light.
“Our parents let the girls’ feet do the talking,” said team coach Paul Flitney. “The friendliness of the parents creates a lovely environment. They drive all around the county, support the girls in regional tournaments and have supported a club tour to watch England Women’s team in Holland.
“The girls could do none of this without their parents’ wonderful support.”
