Now in its fifth year, The FA Community Award presented by McDonald’s shine a light on the tremendous efforts of the 400,000 volunteers who make grassroots football what it is.
Every Arsenal and Manchester City player in Sunday's FA Community Shield at Wembley will have started their careers in parks, playgrounds and streets throughout the world and will have their own grassroots story to tell.
They will all owe a part of their success to a volunteer or coach who introduced them to the game and began their journey to becoming a Premier League or FA Cup winner.
The FA Community Awards presented by McDonald's
So, to recognise the work of our grassroots heroes, The FA and Community Partner McDonald’s are once again celebrating the amazing efforts of the thousands of people without whom the game in this country simply wouldn't happen.
The FA Community Awards presented by McDonald’s gave you the power to crown your People’s Award winner from the eight-strong shortlist.
Selected as regional winners for their ‘Outstanding Contribution to Community Football’ each contender is a true grassroots hero and the winner will be unveiled at Wembley on Sunday where they’ll receive their honour at the special prize-giving, along with the eight national winners of the 2014 FA Community Awards.
The People's Award Nominees
Carlo Moriano, Hambledon FC
Carlo Moriano
Carlo joined Hambledon Football Club ten years ago and his greatest success has been his pivotal role in the development of their new Community Pavilion.
Happily sacrificing his spare time, Carlo used his skills as a mechanical engineer to create a detailed specification of the clubhouse and tailor the building to suit the needs of the club.
Carlo has left a lasting legacy for generations of footballers and the wider community.
Chris Byrne, Ribchester FC
Chris Byrne
Chris has been an inspirational member of Ribchester Football Club for over 12 years and has been instrumental to the club’s development.
He single-handedly re-launched the club after the senior team had folded and helped the club grow to over 80 members.
He hosts weekly training sessions and regularly organises club tournaments.
In addition to being a well-respected coach, Chris uses his motivational skills to mentor and encourage junior members to volunteer at the club.
Dave Drage, Chickerell United
Dave Drage
Dave joined Chickerell United Football Club in 1996, and has given over 17 years of continuous service to the club.
Dave’s vision and determination helped accelerate the club into the Dorset Premier League after winning the Dorset Senior League for the second season in a row.
He was integral in setting up Chickerell United Youth FC, coaches youth players several nights a week and is a key organiser of the annual Chickerell United Youth Tournament.
David Reader, Bedfont Sports Club
David Reader
David has been involved in youth football for almost 30 years, starting out managing 6th Hounslow Club Scout Football Team.
He then went on to transform the Bedfont Sunday club in 1988 and then founded the Bedfont Sports Club.
Over eight years David successfully raised £1.3 million to build a new changing facility, improve training facilities and install floodlights.
Thanks to his support and effort, the club is now one of the biggest in Middlesex with over 19 teams.
John Morton
John Morton
John has been active in local football for over 44 years and has a passion to motivate and inspire others to referee - he leads a mentoring scheme where he coaches inexperienced referees on best practice.
He is a referee examiner serving on the committee for the Durham Football Association's Referee Academy.
Through his stewardship the league continues to thrive both financially and in participant numbers, with almost 1,000 players registered.
Marko Djukic, Silverdale Athletic
Marko Djukic
The Silverdale Athletic Chairman has been involved at the club for over four decades having first joined the club as a player aged 13.
Today he is at the core of the club, overseeing seven teams. Marko never misses a game and is a regular at the Saturday morning soccer school for junior club members.
Off the pitch Marko has been instrumental in the development of their Kents Lane community building.
Paul Newby, Norfolk & Suffolk Youth Football League
Paul Newby
Paul is highly-regarded as secretary of the Norfolk & Suffolk Youth Football League, thanks to a lifetime of dedication to the sport in the local community.
Under his influence, the Great Yarmouth Adult League grew to four leagues of 12 teams.
Paul produces and delivers the referee development programme for the North Suburban Youth Football League and has now started mentoring leaders so events can be self-managed, enabling more children to take part.
Sheila Rollinson, Derby County Ladies
Sheila Rollinson
Derby County Ladies Football Club owes its existence thanks to Sheila’s commitment and drive.
She has developed Derby County from a small ladies club to sustaining seven junior and two senior squads.
As a coach she achieved her FA preliminary coaching award in 1992 and attended courses as the only female in her group.
Today she is steering the club towards Women’s Super League status, manages all the administration for the club and is the physiotherapist for the U16 side.
On Sunday we'll unveil the winner of the People's Award...
