A corner flag flies in a strong breeze on Hackney's South Marsh (Gavin Ellis/TGSPHOTO)

Deadline drawing nearer for nominations

Essex FA chief executive Phil Sammons is looking forward to more nominations for long service reaching the county office before the April 1 deadline.

Last July, individuals from across the county were recognised for their “selfless hard work” at the 2012 Essex FA awards evening as around 80 guests enjoyed the annual showpiece occasion at Regiment Way Golf Club in Chelmsford.

The deadline for names for the 2013 shortlist is approaching and Sammons wants to see more committee members and referees receiving mementoes as a thank you for keeping football going at the lower levels.

“We say it so often, but it’s worth reinforcing that grassroots football simply wouldn’t exist without the selfless hard work of volunteers,” said Sammons.

“Each individual is worth their weight in gold several times over. We’re proud to be able to say thank you, and to recognise what is a small fraction of the overall workforce in our football-rich area.”

The awards are for members parented to the Essex FA, and there are four categories representing lengths of service.

Last year, Tillingham Hotspur FC’s Gordon Chapman scooped the Award of Merit for 40 years of outstanding honorary service, while 26 other individuals were also recognised for efforts spanning 10, 20 or 30 years.

Nominations for these awards are to be received by the 1st April and the appropriate forms can be downloaded from the ‘About Us’ section of www.essexfa.com. Alternatively, call 01245 393085 or email info@essexfa.com.

Winners will receive an invitation to the annual awards evening.

The categories are:

Award of Merit: Awarded to a person who has given at least 40 years of outstanding honorary service to football in Essex (this does not include playing or refereeing service), and who is approved by the Executive Council of the Essex County FA.

Outstanding Service Award: Awarded to a person who has given outstanding service to football in Essex over a minimum of 30 years as an administrator or referee, or in any other capacity felt appropriate.

Exemplary Service Award: Awarded to a person who has given exemplary service to football in Essex over a minimum of 20 years as an administrator or referee, or any other capacity felt appropriate.

Long Service Certificate: Awarded to a person who has served for at least ten years as an Honorary Secretary of an affiliated club or competition, a registered referee, in Essex, or any other capacity felt to be appropriate.