The Kent Football League is the beating heart of the county’s grassroots game, fueled by the selfless dedication of an army of unsung heroes. From volunteer coaches and team managers to groundskeepers and match officials, these passionate individuals work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring the wheels keep turning for thousands of local players.
Celebrating the Grassroots Workforce
The annual Kent FA Grassroots Workforce Awards, sponsored by Bellway Kent, shine a well-deserved spotlight on these unsung heroes. Hosted at the Priestfield Stadium, the 2024 ceremony was a joyous celebration of the Kent football community, recognizing the volunteers whose efforts make a significant impact on the lives of players, young and old.
“Last night was a remarkable celebration of football excellence in Kent,” said Darryl Haden, CEO of the Kent FA. “The awardees have showcased extraordinary passion, determination, and values that make grassroots football in Kent so special.”
Among the honored guests were individuals and groups whose selfless contributions have sustained football communities across the county. From dedicated service award winners to local heroes recognized by the FA, the stories of these unsung champions serve as a testament to the heart and soul of the Kent game.
Grassroots Legends in the Making
One such inspirational figure is Barrie Ivens, who has been integral to the development of women’s and girls’ football in Maidstone for over a quarter-century. Back in 1994, when there were no local girls’ teams, Barrie stepped up to coach a small group of 11-year-olds, laying the foundations for what would become the thriving Kent Girls and Ladies Football League.
“Just 12 months on, the Colts girls team won their first tournament in Medway against three other fledgling girls’ teams,” recalled local MP Helen Grant. “25 years later, there are 80 teams in the league, and pioneers Barrie and his wife Sallyann are still developing and managing the ladies and girls’ teams for the Castle Colts in Maidstone.”
Barrie’s unwavering commitment to the grassroots game is a shining example of the passion that drives the Kent Football League. His story is a testament to the power of community, of seeing a need and taking action to address it, no matter the challenges.
Unsung Heroes Transforming their Communities
The Kent Football League is also home to selfless individuals whose impact extends far beyond the pitch. Take Peter Hall, for instance, the dedicated family farmer in Marden who has been a tireless advocate for sustainable and environmentally-friendly agriculture.
Since 1980, Peter has worked to minimize the impact of food production on the land while seeking ways to increase biodiversity and natural habitats. In 2016, he collaborated with Kent County Council to build a novel four-acre wetlands flood defense project on his farmland, protecting neighboring farms and local communities downstream.
More recently, Peter co-founded the Marden Farmer Cluster, a network of 16 adjoining farms covering 2,400 hectares. This collaborative effort encourages farmers to make their land work for wildlife as well as food production, showcasing the transformative power of grassroots initiatives.
Unsung Heroes in Times of Crisis
The Kent Football League is also home to unsung heroes who step up in times of crisis, like Geraldine Brown, the tireless Chairman of Yalding Parish Council. Yalding has faced devastating floods in 2000 and 2013, with Geraldine’s own home being severely affected.
For the last 22 years, Geraldine has been selflessly focused on helping others in the village manage their flood risks and protect their homes. Working closely with the Environment Agency, she has developed a deep personal understanding of the local rivers, sharing accurate, up-to-date information with a database of 600 residents, allowing them to prepare and prevent.
Geraldine’s dedication and resourcefulness have not gone unnoticed. She was nominated for a national award and named the National Flood Hero, receiving a £10,000 grant to support her ongoing flood resilience work in the community.
The Unsung Heroes of Tomorrow
The Kent Football League’s unsung heroes don’t just come in the form of longstanding volunteers and community leaders. Sometimes, they are young people who see a need and take action, like LaDarrius Steele in Akron, Ohio.
Concerned about the lack of affordable, accessible sports options for young people in his community, LaDarrius created a free flag football league for ages 3-12. Eliminating barriers to participation, such as cost and transportation, LaDarrius aimed to provide a safe, fun environment where children could learn the game and stay active.
The league, which started with just 30 players, quickly doubled in size, with 75% of participants receiving free or discounted registration. LaDarrius’ passion, organizational skills, and commitment to his community embody the spirit of the unsung heroes who sustain grassroots football, both in Kent and across the globe.
The Heart and Soul of Kent Football
The Kent Football League is a tapestry woven together by the selfless efforts of countless unsung heroes. From dedicated coaches and tireless administrators to community leaders and visionary young innovators, these individuals are the lifeblood of the game, ensuring that football remains a vibrant, inclusive, and transformative force in the lives of thousands of players across the county.
As the new season kicks off, the Kent football community will once again gather to honor these unsung champions, their stories a testament to the power of passion, determination, and the unwavering belief that every player deserves a chance to experience the joy of the beautiful game. It is these unsung heroes who truly make the Kent Football League the beating heart of grassroots football in the county.
