The grassroots football community from across South Yorkshire and the surrounding areas came together at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough stadium on Friday 15th November 2024 to recognise and celebrate the local winners of the England Football Grassroots Football Awards. 

The awards, which are put on annually by the Sheffield and Hallamshire County Football Association, were hosted by BBC Sheffield’s Andy Giddings. Headline sponsors LensGo Visual Media were also in attendance to film the event, perfectly capturing a memorable night for local grassroots football.

Over 150 guests attended the celebration ceremony, including guest speakers from the professional game such as former Premier League defender Vance Warner and current Sheffield United Women’s player Satara Murray.

There were thirteen winners and five highly commended nominees recognised, who were selected by a panel of external judges from across the grassroots game following over 250 nominations made by the public earlier this year.

From referees and coaches to leagues and volunteers, everybody from across the grassroots game was celebrated.

Meet the class of 2024

League of The Year
Winner: Rotherham and District Sunday League

Club of The Year
Winner: Kirkburton JFC

Grounds Team of The Year
Winner: Neil Howden - Frickley Athletic FC

New Volunteer of The Year
Winner: Hannah Wright - Crosspool FC

Bobby Moore Award
Winner: John Ward - Handsworth JSC

The Lioness Award
Winner: Caroline Austwick - Wathletico LFC

Match Official of The Year
Winner: Steve Bradford

Young Volunteer of The Year
Winner: Alana Habergham-Rice - Kiveton Park Football Club
Highly commended:  Megan Hammond (Sheffield Wednesday Ladies Whites U12) and Isobel Thorpe (Sheffield United Community Foundation).

Keeping Football Positive Award
Winner: Mental Health FC CIC
Highly commended: Bradley Fox - Derek Dooley FC

Coach of the Year Male Pathway
Winner: Tom Townend - Dearne and District JFC
Highly commended: Dale Pask - Earl Marshall JFC

Coach of the Year Female Pathway
Winner: Nicola Walters - Frickley Athletic Ladies Rec Team
Highly commended: Kerry Doman - Charnock Ridgeway Women & Girls FC

Coach of the Year Disability Pathway
Winner: Richard Lavender - Sheffield City Knights

The Geldart Award
Winner: Ian Jowitt - Socrates Ladies FC

Click here to read more about all our award winners.

The night was also an opportunity to raise vital funds for the Sheffield Hospitals Charity in support of Vance Warner’s ‘300 miles in October’ fundraising challenge.

Speaking at the awards, Sheffield and Hallamshire County Football Association Chair Brian Coddington said: “This is our chance to recognise the many grassroots volunteers in our region who are changing lives through football.

“Every single nomination was submitted by somebody who felt that person went above and beyond in their local community, recognising the incredible amount of time, effort and energy they commit to making the game the best it can be.

“We can never take for granted the tremendous work that grassroots volunteers do year in, year out, and for that we thank you.”

Click here to view the full album of photos from the awards.

To get involved in volunteering in local grassroots football, visit www.SheffieldFA.com/ coaches/volunteers