The Derbyshire County FA Awards Evening gives the County FA a chance to reward and recognise all those grassroots volunteers that put countless hours into football for the love of their club and the sport. Friday 29th July was a celebration of the season and the many developments that have been witnessed throughout Derbyshire. The Emirates FA Cup was also in attendance at the iPro Stadium, giving all guests the chance to have their photo taken with one of the nation’s most coveted trophies.
Jill Crossland, surprised and delighted to win the DCFA Administrator of the Year Award, said: “I am very proud to win this award. It’s a whole team at Tintwistle Atheltic and we all deserve it really.
“I had no idea I would win, it was a complete surprise but very nice.
“The big plans for the new season are transforming the changing rooms and working on the other pitch that we’ve got. Thank you to everybody at Derbyshire County FA for their support.”
Other notable winners included Lee Watson, Groundsman at Clay Cross Town FC. Following on from winning the national FA Groundsman of the Year Award in 2015, Lee has strived to improve and make the most of new machinery to maintain an excellent playing surface for the club.
Somersall Rangers FC scooped the FA Charter Standard Club of the Year Award for their club-wide improvements throughout the season. Their effort and achievement was recognised by the FA nationally as they went on to win the Regional FA Charter Standard Club of the Year, finishing ahead of many excellent clubs from neighbouring counties.
A full list of winners can be found below:
- FA Football Futures Ambassadors – Josh Holland, Rian Finney
- DCFA Disability Football Player of the Year – Billy Lee Dixon
- DCFA Disability Football Coach of the Year – Liam Drake
- DCFA Disability Football Club of the Year – Riverside Juniors FC
- DCFA Respect Club of the Year – Wingerworth J.S.A.
- DCFA Respect League of the Year – Derby Junior Football League
- DCFA Respect Team of the Year – AFC Chellaston Rangers U10s
- DCFA Administrator of the Year – Jill Crossland (Tintwistle Athletic FC)
- DCFA Grassroots Coach of the Year – Ben Saxton (Shipley Park Rangers FC)
- DCFA Young Referee of the Year – Thomas Hales
- DCFA Referee of the Year – James Oldham
- DCFA Referee Volunteer of the Year – Rob Shoebridge
- DCFA Groundsman of the Year Award 3rd Place – Nicky Buckley (Tideswell United FC)
- DCFA Groundsman of the Year Award Runner-Up – Barry Stevenson (Mickleover RBL FC)
- DCFA Groundsman of the Year Award Winner – Lee Watson (Clay Cross Town FC)
- FA Charter Standard Club of the Year – Somersall Rangers FC
- FA Charter Standard Development Club of the Year – Borrowash Victoria Juniors FC
- FA Charter Standard Community Club of the Year – Sandiacre Town Youth FC
- FA Charter Standard League of the Year – Derby City Football League
- FA Young Volunteer of the Year – Liam Amos (Tintwistle Athletic FC)
- FA Volunteer of the Year – Dave Cholerton (Derby County Ladies FC)
- Outstanding Contribution to Communtiy Football – Tim Sadler (Newbold Community Football Training)
- DCFA Contribution to Recreational Football – Derbyshire Walking Football League
- Long Service Awards – Barry Whitehead, Geoff Weir, Bryan Bond
Dawn Heron, Chief Executive Officer at the DCFA, said: “The Awards evening was yet again another opportunity to highlight the fantastic work carried out by many volunteers in the game. The passion and enthusiasm shown by all recipients was heart-felt and a credit to the amazing work that volunteers play in football.”
