The FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards are for people who make a positive difference. It is an opportunity to celebrate the fantastic individuals who put their heart and soul into the grassroots game across England – and say a huge thank you to the incredible volunteers who inspire us all. 

This year Wiltshire FA received around 50 nominations from people in the football community who had identified their grassroots heroes.

The nominations highlighted the hard work, dedication and positivity of coaches, the community spirit and fun atmosphere within local football clubs, the contribution of Leagues, the commitment of volunteers and the respect and skill of match officials.

Wiltshire FA has also awarded the role models in the County who are making a positive contribution to football and a RESPECT award which recognises the positive behaviour seen in the game.

This year has also seen Project of the Year awarded, with the nomination highlighting the benefits of football clubs being the heart of the community with the support and investment of local businesses.

Wiltshire FA CEO, Oliver Selfe said, “It is extremely important to us to reward our football volunteers for their commitment and dedication to the grassroots game.

“It is always tough to judge these nominations as we get to hear about the true value of those people, in Wiltshire, who are striving to inspire the next generation, whether they are on the pitch or behind the scenes.”

The winners of the FA & McDonalds Grassroots Awards 2020 are:

• Alex Reynolds, Marlborough Youth FC, Youth Coach of the Year
• Jonathon House, Royal Wootton Bassett Town FC Ladies, Adult Coach of the Year
• Stratton Juniors, Club of the Year
• Wiltshire Senior League, League of the Year
• Magnus Painter, Stratton Juniors, Volunteer of the Year
• Keir Doherty, David Hanna, George Donahue, Aaron Joseph, Salisbury Rovers, Rising Star of the Year
• Ramsbury FC, Project of the Year
• Geoff Pratt, Andy Knowles, Jon Symon, Ramsbury FC, We Only Do Positive Award
• Ella Broad, Match Official of the Year

Some categories had more than one excellent nomination, the runner-up’s are:

• Andy Cowan, Purton Youth FC, Youth Coach of the Year
• Clarendon Juniors, Club of the Year
• David Lewis, Castle Combe Colts FC, Volunteer of the Year
• Mitch Terry, Match Official of the Year

As there were so many deserving winners Wiltshire FA have awarded Highly Commended in some categories:

• Debbie Sayers, Salisbury Rovers FC, Youth Coach of the Year
• Neil Tustin, Highworth Town Juniors, Youth Coach of the Year
• Salisbury Rovers, Club of the Year
• Purton Youth FC, Club of the Year
• Tony Gleed, RWBTFC, Volunteer of the Year
• Samantha Keel, Barford Hornets FC, Volunteer of the Year

Oliver continues, “Congratulations to our winners, runner-up and highly commended entries. We are extremely grateful for the contribution you make.

"If this has inspired you to think about someone you would like to nominate please note this year we extended our awards categories, with the support of our partner Charlton Baker. We have introduced 6 more categories to recognise and award more people making a difference in grassroots football. These awards are still open so we encourage our network to keep nominating. The categories include ‘Outstanding Personal Achievement’, ‘Inclusive Football’ and a ‘Progression Award’.”

To nominate your grassroots hero in the Charlton Baker Grassroots Excellence Awards