The Association was delighted to recognise the sterling work of so many volunteers at the Annual General Meeting in June 2010. Without their work football in the county would not be so successful.
Outstanding Contribution to Community Football
Tony Jackson (Kent Valley Junior League/Heathwaite YFC)
Tony has been a massive part of the success of both Heathwaite Youth FC and the Kent Valley Junior Football League for several years and none more so than during the 2009-10 season. Throughout this season Tony has balanced the roles of secretary and treasurer for both his club and the league.
Tony’s paperwork is always up to date for both parties and he has also been a great supporter of the many initiatives that the Westmorland County FA run. His contribution to community football has been truly outstanding, without which, neither Heathwaite Youth FC or the Kent Valley Junior Football League would run effectively.
The FA Charter Standard Community Club
Milnthorpe Community FA
Milnthorpe Community Football Association continue to be an excellent example of the FA Community Club scheme with boys and girls junior teams, a newly developed under-18s team, three senior male teams and plans well underway for a female senior side. The strong links they share with local secondary school Dallam have also enabled them to open up the first 3G pitch in Westmorland which will improve the base of facilities available within the County.
In addition to their excellent work with other key local partners, the club are excellent at 'in house' development and every team within the club has a manager and an assistant manager who have both completed the Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Football and the associated pre-requisites.
Milnthorpe continue to be an excellent Community Club and are most worthy recipients of this award.
The FA Charter Standard Development Club
Kendal United JFC
At the start of the 2009-10 season, Kendal United FC were an active Charter Standard Development Club in the process of developing a new changing facility at the club. Their club structure comprised of boys and open age male football from under-7 to senior level. The club had ambitions to grow and provide opportunities for all to play. In line with their development plan, the club approached Westmorland County FA for support in developing an under-12 girls team. Following successful school-club link schemes and promoting girls football through the local brownie and guides networks, the club now have a under-12 team with plans to expand to under-12 and under-14. Since then their Charter Standard status has been upgraded to Community Club, but we feel they are a most worthy recipient of the Development Club award as this shows great practice of how to make the transition from Development to Community Club.
The FA Charter Standard Club
Lunesdale United FC
Lunesdale United comprises of a very strong board with dedicated members, players, volunteers and supporters.
They hold weekly management meetings throughout the season and every fortnight throughout the closed season. Board meetings are held every three months and our AGM is held yearly in either August or September. Minutes of every meeting are circulated to members prior to the following meeting.
All information received from either The FA, Westmorland County FA, Westmorland League and other bodies is disseminated by the club secretary and conveyed to all those concerned immediately.
Even though they do not currently run a junior team all volunteers involved directly with training (including all club officials) are CRB checked. This allows young people in the community who are interested in becoming involved in local football to attend and train with their squad(s), thereby, not only promoting Lunesdale United but promoting football at grassroots level within the community.
Lunesdale United are always looking for ways to improve their club and their policies and procedures, of which they have formulated 23, are considered central to the development of not only the club, but the continuation of football within our community.
Volunteer of the Year
Tim Pryor (Kendal United JFC)
Tim has been an important partner to both the Westmorland County FA and the Kent Valley Junior Football League in supporting the league in becoming the first Charter Standard League in Westmorland. Tim took on the role of Charter Standard Co-ordinator to assist with the creation of the league development plan. He has also created an application to the Football Foundation on behalf of the league which would assist with the implementation of the Development Plan.
In addition to supporting the league, Tim is the Chairman of Kendal United FC and manages the under-16 boys team. Tim was also integral to the development of the new changing facilities at Kendal United's Castle Drive home. On top of all of his league and club roles and responsibilities, Tim has also found time this season to attend the Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Football and will complete the final assessment in May 2010.
Tim has been a great supporter of the Westmorland County FA and his dedication and willingness to foster a 'football for all' mentality must be highly commended.
Young Volunteer of the Year
Kim Lupton (Young Leader)
In April 2009, Kim was selected to represent Westmorland at The FA National Leadership and Volunteering Camp. Since then, Kim has attained the Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Football and gone on to help Kendal United Youth FC develop their first ever girls team at under-12 level, and in addition, Kim has supported the Westmorland County FA on a number of other initiatives including girls football taster sessions, inclusion projects and supporting the development of new young leaders.
Coach of the Year
Phil Graham (Wattsfield YFC)
Phil is a great example of what all coaches should aspire to. He creates a great balance of enjoyment, learning and development within his coaching sessions and is an advocate of the messages The FA deliver through coach education courses.
Phil has also recently attended the FA Youth Award Module 1 and will attend Module 2 in July 2010.
Phil also coaches the Westmorland County FA under-16 Representative squad and has been instrumental in the development of this group of players.
All of these recipients received a frame certificate, gift from The FA/McDonalds and an Umbro Gift voucher.
All these people have been recognised for giving an outstanding contribution to the National Game. If you or someone you know has given similar service, nominations for the 2011 Awards will start in February 2011 – details will be on our website. We look forward to hearing from you.