In the heart of Kent, where the air is crisp and the pitches pristine, a remarkable community of football enthusiasts is hard at work, ensuring the beautiful game thrives in every corner of the county. These are the unsung heroes of the Kent Football League – the volunteers, coaches, and administrators who dedicate their time, energy, and passion to nurturing the next generation of football talent.
Celebrating the Grassroots Game
The annual Kent FA Grassroots Workforce Awards, sponsored by Bellway Kent, is a shining beacon that illuminates the extraordinary contributions of these local heroes. “Last night was a remarkable celebration of football excellence in Kent,” beamed Darryl Haden, CEO of the Kent FA. “The awardees have showcased extraordinary passion, determination, and values that make grassroots football in Kent so special.”
The awards ceremony, hosted by the inimitable Charlotte Richardson, was a night of heartfelt gratitude and inspiration. As the Kent football community gathered at the Priestfield Stadium, they were treated to a showcase of the unsung individuals and groups whose selfless efforts behind the scenes make a significant impact on the local game.
The Kent FA Grassroots Workforce Awards sponsored by Bellway Kent highlighted the roles that volunteers play in the Kent grassroots game, recognizing their dedication, passion, and unwavering support that sustains football communities across the county.
Grassroots Champions in Action
One such champion is Parm, a member of the Kent FA’s Equality Advisory Group. Parm’s journey began when she approached the Kent FA to start a women and girls’ section at Gravesend-based club Guru Nanak FC. What started as a group of Sikh ladies who had never played before has now blossomed into a fully integrated and thriving part of the club.
“Parm gave up much of her free time to give local talks in schools and campaigned to obtain kit,” the Kent FA report explains. “After numerous meetings to justify why Sikh women should be allowed to play, they have now been fully integrated into the club.”
Elsewhere in the county, Lucy, a member of the Dorset County FA’s Youth Council as an inclusion project officer, has been a driving force behind the delivery of the FA Football Legacy Fund. This initiative has resulted in more than 40 girls aged 12-18 taking part in soccercise at the local Shaftesbury School, ensuring that the grassroots game remains accessible and inclusive.
And in the picturesque town of St. Ives, Wendy, the club secretary at St. Ives Rangers, has been instrumental in the provision of football for people with disabilities. Wendy runs the Ability Counts section of the club, ensuring that it is properly funded and that players of all abilities can enjoy the game they love.
The Kent FA Workforce Awards have consistently recognized the extraordinary efforts of these grassroots champions, shining a light on their unwavering commitment to the local game.
Empowering the Next Generation
But the impact of these volunteers and community leaders extends far beyond individual accolades. They are the driving force behind the growth and development of the Kent Football League, nurturing the next generation of footballing talent.
Take, for example, Broomwood, a South London-based club that has seen a remarkable transformation in recent years. “The club has increased the number of teams playing from nine in 2014-15 to 18, as well as one playing in the Capital Girls League,” the source information reveals. “This in turn means the number of players affiliated to the club now exceeds 1,000.”
The club’s investment in hiring all-weather pitches for mid-week coaching sessions, purchasing portable goals, and providing one football per child has helped to raise standards and create a more professional environment for young players. Additionally, Broomwood has appointed a host of new roles, including head coaches, assistant coaches, administrators, kit persons, and first aiders for each age group.
Similar stories of growth and innovation can be found across the Kent Football League. The Surrey Youth League, for example, has seen a 35% increase in the number of teams and players over the past five years. The league’s emphasis on education has resulted in more than 1,000 people taking advantage of discounted FA learning courses.
Fostering Inclusion and Community
Beyond the on-field successes, these grassroots champions are also spearheading initiatives that foster inclusion and strengthen the local community. CP United, a club dedicated to players with Cerebral Palsy, has continued to grow year-on-year, despite a national trend of decline in players with the condition past the age of 14.
“They have linked up with the Manchester City’s disability department this summer, played in a tournament in Barcelona, and organised their own CP-specific festival in which 60 children took part,” the source information proudly states. “The club’s motto ‘be the best you can be’ is emphasised in the work they do both on and off the pitch.”
Elsewhere, Guru Nanak FC has worked tirelessly to integrate a women and girls’ section, providing opportunities for Sikh ladies who had never played the game before. This inclusive approach has helped to break down barriers and foster a sense of community within the local area.
The Heart of the Game
As the Kent Football League enters a new season, the influence of these grassroots champions is palpable. Their tireless efforts, infectious enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to the local game have created a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving football community across the county.
“These awards are vital to the Kent community to celebrate unsung heroes of our local communities,” remarked Mark Harrop, Sales Director at Bellway Kent. “It was inspiring to see their efforts get the recognition they deserve.”
Indeed, the spirit of these grassroots champions is the very heart of the game in Kent. Their stories of dedication, innovation, and community-building serve as a powerful reminder that football is not just about the superstars on the pitch, but the unsung heroes who keep the game alive at the local level.
As the new season kicks off, the Kent Football League website (https://www.kentleague.com/) will undoubtedly be buzzing with updates, match reports, and celebrations of these extraordinary individuals. After all, they are the true champions of the grassroots game, the lifeblood of football in the Garden of England.
