Who’s been truly exceptional? This extra-special award is for the volunteer that represents the best of grassroots football. It’s also the first time it’s been open to a public vote.

What we’re looking for:

Someone or a team, club, league that’s s had a big impact over a period of time by: Retaining, recruiting or rewarding players and volunteers to ensure that their grassroots football provision is a true representation of the local community. Raising the profile of their organisation and its impact that’s helped bring their community together. Continuously developed and sought to add value to their team, club, league or organisation.

Which club deserves your thanks? Who’s done something amazing…for their players, community or beyond?

The Details: a 1, 2 or 3 star England Football Accredited club that’s: Recruited, rewarded or retained volunteers in a new way. Improved its facilities – on the and off the pitch. Attracted new funding to make football better for more people. Started new teams or sessions for male, female or disabled players. Or perhaps supported The FA initiatives like Just Play, Weetabix Wildcats, Squad, Comets etc.

Who’s encouraging, inspiring and inclusive where and when and it matters most? Who’s had a real impact in the 23/24 season? Who’s got a great story to be told?

The details: A coach that volunteers at a 1, 2 or 3 star England Football Accredited club, or from an FA programme (e.g. Just Play, Weetabix Wildcats, Comets Disability Football) who has had a positive impact by:

Helping disabled players enjoy the game and reach their full potential. Creating a thriving learning environment for all. Helping players succeed in their respective game format. Being aware of their own motivations and behaviours.

PLEASE NOTE - a winning coach must have: An in-date DBS and first aid. A commitment to ongoing CPD

Who’s inclusive, encouraging and inspiring for our female players? Who’s impressed you with how well they engage players? Who’s got a great story we should all know? A coach that volunteers at 

The details – A Coach that volunteers at a  1, 2 or 3 star England Football Accredited club, or from an FA programme (e.g. Just Play, Weetabix Wildcats, Comets Disability Football) who has had a positive impact by: 

Helping female players enjoy the game and reach their full potential. Creating a thriving learning environment for all. Helping players succeed in their respective game format. Being aware of their own motivations and behaviours.

PLEASE NOTE - a winning coach must have an in-date DBS and first aid. A commitment to ongoing CPD.

Who’s stood out by being encouraging and inspiring for male players? Who’s engaged players in an impressive way? Who’s got a great story you’d like to share?

A coach that volunteers at a 1, 2 or 3 star England Football Accredited club, or from an FA programme (e.g. Just Play, Weetabix Wildcats, Comets Disability Football) who has had a positive impact by:

Helping male players enjoy the game and reach their full potential. Creating a thriving learning environment for all. Helping players succeed in their respective game format. Being aware of their own motivations and behaviours.

PLEASE NOTE - a winning coach must have: An in-date DBS and first aid. A commitment to ongoing CPD.

Who makes sure their ground – from pitch to facilities – is always ready for the game? Who goes the extra mile in creating a great playing surface? 

They might not even have a job-title, but we want to hear about the people who transform poor pitches into great pitches. Keep the facilities match-ready all year round. Make sure the whole space is safe, week in, week out. Create a playing environment that’s always welcoming. Ensure that their facilities are at the heart of their communities.

Who’s used the power of football to improve others’ lives? Who do you think has made a big difference in their community?

In particular, a person, club, league or project run by volunteers that might, for example, have led to: Improved participant behaviour, a decrease in crime, an increase in youth engagement, a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, or even improved access for female or disability football. 

Who’s made the game better for more people? Who do you think has made football more accessible and enjoyable for more people?

A league in the male, female, youth or disability game that: Is England Football Accredited. Has created a safe, fun and inclusive space, both on and off the pitch. Supports The FA initiatives like for example Respect, Silent Support or Play Safe.

Who’s really impressed you on match day? Who’s helped create a positive matchday experience? Who’s shown dedication and commitment to playing a fairer game?

In particular they can be a referee, a referee observer, coach, mentor, developer, appointments officer or any other role in the match official community. So long as they promote a fairer game for all by showing respect and understanding.

Who’s burst onto the scene this year, and had a real impact? Which new volunteer has come in and started volunteering in 23/24 season,  made a positive difference, and really deserves your thanks? 

In particular increasing the opportunities for others to play or volunteer or improving the experience.

Who deserves your thanks for creating new opportunities in the female game? Which volunteer, club, league or project has moved the women or girls game forward?

In particular, a volunteer, club, league or project that’s improving the girls and women’s game for more girls and women by: Creating chances to coach, manage, administrate or officiate. Having a big impact in their community, on and off the pitch. Using football to inspire positive change.

Who’s brought fresh energy as a young volunteer this season? Which youngster deserves your thanks for sharing their time, skills, ideas and commitment?

They must be aged between 14-25 years. A young person who is a role model to others, who provides a voice for other young people, or who has a valuable skillset as part of a wider team.

The Geldart Award was donated to the Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA in 2018 by David, Brian and Sean Geldart in memory of their parents, who did so much to establish and develop youth football in the Worksop area in the 1970s and 80s.

This is a local award and aims to recognise an individual who has gone above and beyond in youth football. 

Nominations for this award can be made by emailing marketing@SheffieldFA.com and including a brief summary on what makes the person you are nominating stand out. Nominations from other categories will also be considered.