A host of characters from Birmingham, the Black Country and Warwickshire were rewarded for their efforts at the ceremony hosted by BBC WM’s Jenny Wilkes and attended by guests from local leagues, Community Partners McDonalds and The Football Association.
County FA Charter Standard Awards were won by clubs and individuals who have gone that extra mile to ensure they meet and often exceed the requirements outlined by the kite-marking initiative.
Team United Birmingham were recognized for becoming the first Futsal club in the BCFA to gain Charter Standard status, receiving the Adult Club Award from FA National Development Officer, Les Howie.
Redditch United scooped the Club Award, Coventry-based Coundon Court FC received the Development Club Award whilst Tamworth’s Belgrave Bullets took the Community Club Award.
Individual’s commitment to the cause was also recognized with Leamington Lions’ Paul O’Rafferty and “Mr Bustleholme” Dave Martin taking the Charter Standard Coach and Administrator Awards respectively.
George Salter Collegiate Academy (West Bromwich) and Raddlebarn Primary (Birmingham) Schools were also rewarded for their efforts as FA Charter Standard Schools. Both work hard to ensure that high levels of football provision benefit their school and the wider community. The pair were presented with awards by FA Regional Referee Manager, Ray Olivier.
McDonalds’ Alison Hawkes presented County Football Workforce Awards to individuals including Tony Dunbarr, Chairman of Woodgate Warriors, and Club Secretaries Susan Albrighton from Tipton Town Ladies and Les Seabourne of Athletic United FC.
The winner of the Young Football Workforce Award was Callum O’Donnell – nominated by Coundon Court FC where in just two years he has committed hundreds of hours to volunteering at the club whilst gaining numerous footballing qualifications.
Callum also gave a presentation about his involvement in the FA’s Young Leaders Programme after he and clubmate Tracey Woodley were selected to represent Birmingham County FA at the National Young Leaders Camp during the summer.
The celebrations ended with a special award presented by BCFDS Director Tom Stack to Andrew Wilkes who along with Callum and Tracey prove that football has a bright future. The eleven-year-old dedicates many hours each week as a volunteer at Bedworth United FC; the team he also plays for.
Andrew’s dad says the award has inspired the youngster to bigger and better things:
“He has been unable to stop talking about this but the one thing it has done, reiterating Callum's words, is he now has a set goal to aim for.
“Andrew heard the fantastic speech by Callum, and now is even more determined to go down this route when he is able.”
Birmingham County FA Development Officer, Heidi Lockyer added:
“As a County we are delighted to get the chance to say thank you to such worthy winners – including very inspirational young individuals like Andrew, Tracey and Callum!
“Hosting the awards in conjunction with the Grass Roots Football Show at the NEC was a great move – it ensured our guests got treated to a really enjoyable day.
“We hope to be back there next year for an even bigger and better celebration of the terrific achievements by the volunteer workforce in our area,” she added.
Birmingham County FA Charter Standard Club Awards
Club: Redditch United FC (Tamworth Junior League)
Adult Club: Team United Birmingham FC (Birmingham Futsal League)
Development Club: Coundon Court FC (Coventry Minor Football League)
Community Club: Belgrave Bullets FC (Tamworth Junior League)
Coach: Paul O’Rafferty (Leamingon Lions FC)
Administrator: Dave Martin (Bustleholme FC)
Birmingham County FA Charter Standard School Awards
Primary: Raddlebarn Primary School (Birmingham)
Secondary: George Salter Collegiate Academy (West Bromwich)
Football Workforce Awards
Callum O’Donnell (Coundon Court FC – Coventry Minor Football League)
Les Seabourne (Athletic United FC – Coventry Minor Football League)
Tony Dunbarr (Woodgate Warriors FC – Central Warwickshire Youth League)
Susan Albrighton (Tipton Town Ladies FC – Birmingham County Womens League)
Nomination forms for Birmingham County FA’s 2009 Awards will be available here on birminghamfa.com early in the New Year – make sure you don’t miss out on the chance to reward your football hero.