On Saturday, 16th September, Cornwall FA welcomed our Grassroots Football Awards nominees to The Falmouth Hotel for an evening of celebration.

It was fantastic to see so many of our volunteers in attendance for what was a truly special occasion. Guests were served a three-course dinner before we began the process of announcing this year’s award winners. Our wonderful award winners were as follows, with a brief excerpt from their nomination explaining why they were deserving of recognition.

League of the Year – Cornwall Veterans League

"The Cornwall Veterans league has significantly increased its membership in the last couple of years and continues to offer a wonderful service to its clubs. The committee do a great job of running the league and always listen to feedback and new ideas. This collaborative approach to working with the clubs has seen the innovative new Supervets League for over 50s. It is just another example of how the league tries to make sure all feel included and listened to."

Highly commended: Cornwall Disability League, Cornwall Walking Football League

Young Volunteer of the Year – Jack Masters, Bodmin

“His transformation over the last two years has been exceptional, always wanting to learn, asking questions weekly to plan his youth sessions, considering what might work, what he could improve, always putting the players first to ensure a great positive relationship with players and coaches alike.”

Highly commended: Ella Olds (Truro City Youth), Eli Snell (Falmouth Community Youth)

Positive Football Environment Award – Kev Solly, St Austell Walking Football

“Kev makes himself available to all players even with non football issues and is one of those people who without him we would not be the club we are. He is always first to put his hand up and lead by example. Kev has built up an excellent club from just being a bit of fitness and fun to playing in walking football competitions. He still ensures new or unexperienced players can enjoy and play for fun, for the mental health benefit and to be around like minded people.”

Highly commended: Darren perry & Casey Stroud (Ludgvan), Darren Stephens (Goonhavern Youth)

Disability Pathway Coach of the Year – Annette Lee-Julian, Cornwall Powerchair FC

“Annette stands out as a coach due to her exceptional dedication, selflessness, and passion for the sport. Despite taking on multiple roles within the team, she always puts the needs of the players first, ensuring that each individual has the opportunity to succeed and grow. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, Annette has empowered players to improve their skills and reach their full potential. Many players have spoken highly of Annette's coaching and leadership, citing it as a key factor in their personal growth and success.”

Highly commended: Hailey Collins, Noah Davies (both St Agnes AFC)

Grounds Team of the Year – Dave Baker, Penryn Athletic (posthumous)

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“His hard work has given our County and club teams an amazing surface to play on over decades and it was a privilege to know him. There are many clubs who have forced their Ladies teams onto other pitches but this was never the case at Penryn. They have always made sure that their pitch was just as good on Sundays for the Ladies team as it was on the Saturdays for the men. He did so much over his 40 years with the club. He was much loved at the club and we believe he deserves all the recognition in the world for everything he has done.”

Dave's daughter and grandson accepted this award on his behalf.

Highly commended: David, Linda & Lloyd (Charlestown Youth), Steve Lagor (St Ives Town)

Male Pathway Coach of the Year – Martyn Ratcliffe, AFC St Blazey

“Everyone is included, everyone feels a part of something and he is now helping his youth players of over a decade make sound decisions that will enhance their senior journey too. He has never been about the result but more so about the right treatment of an individual that then creates a strong team ethic. I think the boys will miss him after having had his sound guidance for over 10 years, but he will always make himself available for advice whether it be football or life lessons. Coaches like Martyn have a great positive impact on drop off rates and I think his transitional work from Youth to Senior deserves great recognition.”

Highly commended: Matthew Laity & Matthew Shiels (Hayle Youth), Chris Strike (Helston Athletic Youth)

Match Official of the Year – Paul Minns

“Paul communicates positively with clubs and with players to help create an enjoyable matchday culture and experience for everyone. He is a wonderful local Referee who always goes that extra mile to help make football happen at all sorts of levels. Paul has been very poorly over recent times but has battled through it and worked amazingly hard to return to refereeing - what an inspiration.”

Highly commended: Mark Averiss, Bill Trethewey

The Lioness Award – Louise Crawford, Newquay AFC Youth

“Louise has been a huge driving force in developing opportunities for young girls to play football at our club and within the local community. She is aware of the challenges surrounding participation for girls in the wider community and her efforts to arrange stand alone tournaments and friendly round-robins have ensured girls teams in the county have managed to play meaningful fixtures. I’m very proud to coach at the same club as Louise, she’s a fantastic example to all of us other coaches at the club.”

Highly commended: Sarah Hunt (Troon), Falmouth Community Youth FC

New Volunteer of the Year – Jamie Rickard, Charlestown Youth

“Jamie has put his all into setting up his team and also setting up 2 other teams which have now been handed over to other parents. 2022 was not kind in lots of ways to Jamie and football really helped - he put his all into making sure the boys and girls had a great team. His effort goes to all lengths, making sure every child feels like an individual and the team feel like a team, helping parents whenever they message and supporting other coaches when needed.”

Highly commended: Marc Skinner (Southgate Colts), William Richards (St Day)

Club of the Year – North Petherwin FC

“It is all about the community and the club. Everything is being done for the right reasons and trying to make developments that allow the community to benefit. We have received various grants which was driven by pat to improve the pitch, goals, safety netting and storage. The impact is amazing, we have facilities that make people want to take part in football and join North Petherwin with the future ambitions of the club really inspiring the coaches and players. Seeing young people being given the chance to come and integrate with other children and get a taste of football is great to see.”

Highly commended: Falmouth United, Falmouth Community Youth

Female Pathway Coach of the Year – Jasmine Butcher, St Agnes Youth

“Jasmine loves her role and is a fabulous advocate for the female game, a super role model to the young female players starting at 5 on their first step on the female player pathway! The girls respond to her innovative, engaging and well planned sessions! Within the Wildcats group she has girls with autism, hearing loss and other challenges which Jasmine takes in her stride with maturity way beyond her years. Jasmine recognises the importance of supporting other young volunteers to get them involved for the future of the female player pathway as coaches moving forwards.”

Jaz also received the national award in this category and was honoured at Wembley last month. Click here to learn more.

Highly commended: Chris Pearce (Charlestown Youth), Grace Dilley (Wadebridge Town Women)

Cornwall FA would like to congratulate our award winners as well as all of our shortlisted nominees – you are a credit to Cornish football and we hope you had a wonderful evening. 

We would also like to thank The Falmouth Hotel for their hospitality and help in creating an event to remember.