North FA is honouring game heroes

THE Northumberland FA has selected six local recipients of the FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards for 2018.

The awards recognise and celebrate the work of individuals and groups to instill the FA’s values and make a positive difference in their club, league or local community.

Following a record receipt of 2,904 nominations, the FA has worked alongside respective county FAs to select appropriate winners across 10 categories.

Northumberland award winners include Michael Third (Bedlington FC) as Coach of the Year.

The others are: Community Project of the Year - Cramlington United.

Charter Standard Club of the Year - Cramlington United.

Match Official of the Year Callum Inwood.

Volunteer of the Year - Sean Hamilton (Wylam Rockets).

Youth Volunteer of the Year Joey Harries (Cramlington United).

FA chairman Greg Clarke (pictured right) said: “It has been fantastic to see a record number of nominations for this year’s awards and hear so many stories of dedication and commitment throughout the grassroots game.”

Ian Skinner, Football Development Officer (youth male) for Northumberland FA, added: “We are fortunate to have so many fantastic clubs and volunteers who help us strive towards providing footballing opportunities for young players.

“We know how much work goes into football on a weekly basis and these awards allow us to say thank you to those who dedicate so much time to the game across the Northumberland FA area.

“We wish them all the best for the next stage of the awards hopefully they can go all the way and pick up a national prize.”

On Monday the FA’s panel will meet to select the national winners from the pool of county FA recipients.

They will be formally announced at the FA Community Shield clash at Wembley on August 5.

To learn more about the 2018 FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards, e-mail Ian. Skinner@NorthumberlandFA.com or telephone 0191 2700 700.