Hampshire FA is delighted to confirm 66 award recipients for this year’s Hampshire FA Grassroots Football Awards sponsored by Havant and East Hants Mind, across 13 different categories.

The Hampshire FA Grassroots Football Awards recognise and celebrate the people and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to grassroots football in Hampshire. We are delighted to confirm that the following Award winners will be presented with awards this year:

Hampshire FA Service to Football Award
A Hampshire FA Service to Football Award is made for 25 years of continuous or aggregated voluntary service to the county and each winner is nominated by their local Divisional Football Association.

Recipients of this award for the 2022/23 season are:

Tony Suggitt

Tony became a club committee member for Gosport Falcons FC and served in the role of Parent Representative. Additionally, Tony organised summer tournaments at the club for 7 years. In 1992, he assumed the role of Club Treasurer (a position he still holds to the present day) and for several years has served as Club Player Registration Officer, a role which he is currently devoting a good deal of his time to. 15 years ago, Tony helped to secure a lease from the MoD for the use of Monckton Sports Field and took on the responsibility of line marking the pitches. He joined the Mid-Solent Youth Football League (MSYFL) and took on the role of League Registration Secretary as well as Divisional Secretary. In his time as Registration Secretary for the league, he remembers a young team manager bringing his team forms to him. This manager went on to become the CEO (and current CEO) of Hampshire FA, Mr Neil Cassar. In the last 20 years, he has acted as Divisional Secretary for the Portsmouth Youth Football League (PYFL) and currently serves in the role.

Hampshire FA Referee Service to Football Awards
A Hampshire FA Referee Service to Football Award is made to referees and assessors who have been registered and active in the county for 25 years.

Recipients of this award for the 2022/23 season are:

Christopher Williams

Christopher qualified as a referee in 1990 in the British Army in Berlin at the age of 21. Brian Le Breton completed his first referees’ assessment once he had qualified. Christopher came out of the British Army in 1993 and completed his Class 2 qualification and in 1996 was promoted to Level 1. Christopher then officiated on the Wessex League and was also an official on the Southern League. He was appointed 4^th official for Southampton v Derby at the former Saints ground The Dell and was also the 4^th official at The FA cup round for Portsmouth V Leeds where he featured on Match of the Day. He was a Southern League referee up until 2003 when his son was born and eventually turned his hand to local football.

Nick Bowen

Nick started his football journey in 1977 in the Bournemouth Sat/Sun Haywood Leagues. He cites being like Gary Lineker in one way and a work horse in midfield. The game Nick remembers was Blackfield v Hythe & Dibden FC, several years ago. A local derby that was fiercely contested with one red card, five yellows and all in all, memorable. Nick would like to take this moment to thank all those who support all football leagues, for the continued pleasure that he has had in 46 years. Gary and Nick do share something in common...they have both never received a yellow or red card.

Mark Pointing

Mark began his refereeing journey in 1997 and has had the pleasure of officiating at the Dell and St Mary’s. Mark has managed to referee several stars before they became household names including the likes of Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale and Jack Wilshere. Mark looks forward to every Saturday and is impressed by the standard of football he sees in the Hampshire Premier League. He is committed to the game and hopes to continue refereeing for many more years.

Bruce Waymark

Bruce qualified as a Referee with Somerset FA in 1995. He moved to Hampshire FA in 1997 and has officiated one thousand games in the Southampton, Hampshire, and Wessex Leagues. Additionally, he has officiated in the Southern, Western, and Isthmian Leagues. Bruce has officiated in the Southern League Cup Final, the Conference South play-off final, the Hampshire FA Senior Cup Final, and on three occasions, the Southampton Senior Cup Final. Away from the field, Bruce served for a time as Secretary of the Southampton Referees Association and was the Appointments Secretary for the Hampshire League. He looks forward to many more seasons of active refereeing. 

Hampshire FA Certificate of Commendation
A Hampshire FA Certificate of Commendation is presented to an individual for 10 years of additional service following the award of a Hampshire FA Service to Football or Hampshire FA Referee Service to Football Award. 

Recipients of this award for the 2022/23 season are:

Bob Archer

Bob has been involved with Ropley since 1966. He played until he was 60 but had to stop because of a knee injury. He has been a Secretary, Treasurer, Chairman, Manager, Line Marker amongst many other roles. He was heavily involved in fundraising to build Ropley's Sports Pavilion which offers better facilities than when he started playing! He is also a Lifetime President.

Rod Sutherland

Rod joined Southampton Divisional FA in 1988 as Assistant Secretary transitioning to official Secretary shortly after. He was then elected to the Hampshire FA Council and continued serving these roles to the present day. Rod previously served a number of seasons on the Hampshire FA Cup committee. When the league and Southampton Divisional FA parted, Rod remained as League Secretary and was responsible for fixtures and other roles as and when it was required. Rod’s primary goal is to ensure that grassroots football continues to develop in the local area and remains on a steady course. This prestigious award would not be possible today without a committed workforce and as such, Rod wishes to thank all those involved for their contributions on his fantastic football journey.

Andrew Justice

Andrew has been involved with grassroots adult male football for over 40 years and serves as Fixture Secretary for the Saturday League. Andrew is an IOW Divisional FA Life Vice President and is in his 23rd year as Secretary of the IOW Divisional FA as well. Andrew is also a Life Member of the Hampshire FA. Additionally, he has served on the IOW Divisional FA committees and has a passion for local football at the grassroots level.

Trevor Dance

Trevor can trace back his affiliation to Stockbridge FC since his childhood when his father played at the club. At 16 years of age, he played for the reserves progressing to the first team. The club at this time had much success in the Andover Junior League. Trevor has been Chairman three times, and as Chairman this year provided the club with the stable leadership it required as it navigated some changes. Trevor has been with the club for over 50 years and continues to support them in the Hampshire League.

Ivor Dominy

Jacqueline Dominy

Mavis Savage

Mavis began volunteering at Stockbridge FC in 1968 alongside her husband, Peter. Mavis undertook various duties at the club such as washing the kits, ran jumble sales and cake stalls, managing the tea hut and much more. Mavis was a founding member of the ladies committee at the club and took an active role in supporting fundraising events and activities, designed to raise necessary funds for the club. She was asked to join the men’s committee at the football club and was Treasurer for several years alongside her involvement in fundraising for the club. Mavis is still an avid supporter of the club and attends various matches even now with her husband Peter.

Peter Savage

Peter has been involved with Stockbridge FC (SFC) since the age of 15. He has been with the club for over 60 years starting as a player at the age of 15 and later becoming an SFC committee member for several years. He also took on the groundsman duties since 1970 which he continues to the present day. When the club lost its ground due to new road improvements in 1971, Peter was part of a committee to try and secure a new football ground for the club. This became possible after seven years when the club acquired a new pitch. Peter is also a Life Vice President of SFC.

Jill Webb

Jill has been involved with Stockbridge FC for nearly 60 years, starting out by washing shirts and serving teas. Jill has served as Treasurer and Secretary and is currently the Minutes Secretary. Jill has always been involved in fundraising and social events and additionally, is a Life Vice President of the club. Jill was also Treasurer and helped to run the FC Social Club for over 20 years.

Percy Ancell

Percy Ancell is a former chairman of the Mid Solent Youth League and additionally a Life Vice-President of the league as well.

Steve Cox

Steve started playing football for his school, progressed into local youth clubs and eventually into men’s football. In 1986, he founded Stakes Rangers Youth FC after being inspired by a Hampshire FA U13 Youth Cup Final of that year and had 30 kids turn up to the launch. He managed the club for 3 years. Steve then transitioned into Widbrook United FC before founding his beloved Purbrook Athletic FC. In 1989, Steve got involved in the Portsmouth Youth League as a Divisional Secretary, making it his first involvement in the administration side of the game at league level. In 1994 he joined the Mid Solent Boys Football League and became a Divisional Secretary, a position he has held for 29 years and is the longest-serving Divisional Secretary in the league’s history. Additionally, Steve is currently the Secretary of the Mid Solent Youth Football League (MSYFL) and is also the longest serving Secretary of the league to date. Steve has also served as Vice-Chairman of the MSYFL on two separate occasions.

Hampshire FA Referee Awards
A Hampshire FA Referee Award is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to refereeing during the 2022/23 season. 

Recipients of this award for the 2022/23 season are:

Nick Taplin

Nick qualified as a referee 42 years ago. He refereed in the local Portsmouth area and progressed to the Hampshire and Wessex Leagues. Nick was an FA Referee Tutor for over 30 years. After concluding his refereeing career, he became a Referee Observer, and has been operating on FA Contributory Leagues since 2002 and currently observes on the National League. He is also a member of the FA National Observer appeal panel and provides training for other observers as a mentor, providing them with guidance and peer reviews. Nick is also an FA Match Day Coach for Level 4 referees. Additionally, he serves as a Director on the Hampshire FA Board, as a Trustee for the Hampshire FA Foundation and is also the Referees Secretary for the Wessex League.       

Phillip Rush

Phillip became a referee after coaching his son's team and has held many roles in grassroots youth football. He transitioned into refereeing youth football and eventually became a Referee Observer and Mentor. These roles have helped pave the way for him to become the Referee Appointment Secretary for the North East Hants Youth League, a role that he serves to this day. Recently he mentored two referees at the under-13 county cup final (featuring both teams from his league) and saw them progress from nervous 14-year-olds into highly confident and capable referees which he found to be very rewarding. Phillip is dedicated to refereeing and will continue supporting young referees on their journey.

Chas Morrison

Chas qualified as a referee in London in 1970 and moved through the refereeing levels whilst living in Surrey (then in five other counties) before moving to Hampshire in 1988. Chas officiated in local and professional football, moving back into local football in 1990 because of the FA age restrictions at that time. He became a Training Officer for referees in 1993, the County Training Officer 5 years later, and then the Area Advisor (Referees) for Hampshire and Dorset. He continues to train new and current referees to this day. He has been an Assessor / Referee Observer since 1995. In the last two seasons, Chas helped to deliver 20 courses for new referees, plus workshops for promotion candidates, and in season 2022/23 completed Referee Observer duties at 65 matches in Steps 3 to 6 football. 

Billy Chafe

Billy has been a qualified referee for the last five years and is now a Level 5 Senior County Official and part of the FA CORE programme. He initially combined refereeing with playing, but after he stopped playing, moved into officiating adult football to pursue his goal of promotion. He now combines refereeing with coaching and works closely with members of the Hampshire FA Referee Focus Group.

Anne-Marie Godfrey

Anne-Marie has participated in football in Hampshire for over 20 years. After 15 years of playing football herself and gaining her coaching badges, she embarked on her journey to become a referee in 2018 with the aim of giving something back to the grassroots football community. Anne-Marie has recently been promoted to a National Women's League 3W referee and assists regularly in the Wessex League. Anne-Marie has recently trained as a Referee Tutor - aiming to share her experiences with new referees starting their journey. Anne-Marie is also a member of the Hampshire FA Referee Focus Group and is the Discipline Secretary for the Hampshire County Women's Football League.

Jacob Wright

Jacob began his career in refereeing at the age of 14 and quickly progressed through the levels to coach and mentor other referees. In his refereeing career, he has been promoted to Level 3 and this has led him to officiate many National League matches and for several Football League sides. Jacob has been awarded ‘Best Youth Referee in Portsmouth’ in 2012 and in 2019 achieved the ‘Best Level 4 Referee’ Award. In 2017 he formed the Portsmouth Refereeing Development Group (PRDG) which helps young referees from the Portsmouth area progress in refereeing by offering them a safe place to discuss their matches and help resolve any issues they may have encountered, whilst educating them on the Laws of the Game. Through the PRDG he has worked with over 50 referees in the local area and has helped 36 referees achieve promotion.

Hampshire FA Fair Play Awards
A Hampshire FA Fair Play Award recognises the clubs within each region/sector of grassroots football in Hampshire with the best discipline record for the 2022/23 season.

Recipients of this award for the 2022/23 season are:

UK Careers FC
Aldershot - Adult Male

JP Morgan FC
Bournemouth - Adult Male

JP Morgan FC has been involved in the Bournemouth Sunday League for a while. The club has gone through its fair share of ups and downs like many clubs winning leagues and cups to relegations and of course not playing at all during Covid. One thing the management team strives to achieve is to ensure the right mentality is embedded in its team, playing the game in the right way, with the right attitudes and commitment and all within the laws of the game. This season has been a mixed one on the field with some nice cup runs and performances and equally, their fair share of the not-so-nice ones. The club couldn't ask more from the team and their efforts. Whilst enjoyment is a top priority for them, equally is discipline. The club is delighted to see their efforts translated into receiving an award.

Bembridge FC
Isle of Wight - Adult Male

Bembridge FC is based on the IOW and was established in July 2013. The adult section has 3 teams who all play their home games at Steyne Park, Bembridge. Their First Team plays in the islands top league Division 1 and their Reserves play in Combination 1. The newly formed A team play in Combination 2. Additionally, the club has a youth set-up that caters to all ages. Bembridge FC is immensely proud of being awarded the Hampshire FA Fair Play Award for the IOW adult male category, especially as the club is highly regarded for its conduct on the pitch by officials. The Fair Play Award is a testament to the club’s workforce and all its players who continually emphasise the values associated with such an accomplishment.  

Basingstoke Saints FC
North Hants - Adult Male

Basingstoke Saints FC entered the Basingstoke and District Sunday Football League in 1999. Relegation by a single point in their first season in Division 5 was followed by a few years of success, finishing third and runners-up in consecutive seasons to earn promotion before winning Division 4 in 2003. Saints won Division 3 in 2009 and Division 2 in 2010 under the excellent guidance of former manager, Chris Jordan. Nick Kemp returned as manager for the 2010/2011 season and despite the ongoing struggles with ever-increasing costs and player retention, managed to upset the odds and beat the favourites, Team FC 2-0 to win the Bernard Cornish Cup in 2018. The club is proud to have six players that have been at the club for over a decade and to have a superb captain in Adam Butler who is approaching his 20th season.

King George Rovers FC
Portsmouth - Adult Male

London Airways FC
Southampton - Adult Male

London Airways FC has been competing in local leagues for over 50 years, initially in the Heathrow and West London area, before moving down to Hampshire in the early 2000’s. The team has been composed of highly skilled Air Traffic Controllers that have had and a good deal of success, especially in the earlier years of the team’s formation. At one stage London Airways FC was able to field two separate teams on any given weekend. The team today strives to compete at a decent level and aim to field a consistent team week in and week out, always facing their opponents in a sporting manner.

Wey Valley Youth FC
Aldershot - Youth Male 

Wey Valley FC has been providing local community football in the Whitehill & Bordon area since 1960 although up until the mid-1990s the club was known as Alexandra Colts. Whilst football has changed immeasurably over the last 60+ years, Wey Valley has and continues to be at the forefront of the grassroots game with several rewarding accolades and is part of the England FA Accreditation scheme. The club has a committed workforce of volunteers and dedicated parents which has enabled it to develop and flourish over the years. The club has also supported several FA initiatives. The coaching workforce is made up of managers, coaches and club officers who are all FA qualified in their respective roles and duties. The club’s ethos is to ensure that football remains fun, respectful, and accessible to all. Wey Valley FC are honoured to receive a Fair Play Award, making it the third time they have received this award since 2010.

Moordown & Southbourne Youth FC
Bournemouth - Youth Male

Moordown & Southbourne FC has been an active club for over 20 years. Previously known as Moordown Athletic Youth FC, the club changed its name in 2018 when it moved to the new training base at St Peter’s Primary School based near Southbourne. The team has over 150 players in 10 teams and is keen to add more. Moordown and Southbourne FC are honoured and delighted to have received a Hampshire FA Fair Play Award. The award serves as a wonderful reminder of the incredible workforce behind such success, from the managers and coaches through to the young footballers who put in continuous effort every season to play the game fairly and in the right way.

Ventnor Youth FC
Isle of Wight - Youth Male

Ventnor Youth FC has three boys’ teams ranging from 10 to 14 and three girls’ teams for ages 9 to 13. The club is immensely proud to receive this award which is a testament of their commitment, dedication, and passion that they have across the workforce of managers, coaches, and volunteers. The club aims to instil the importance of fair play and discipline, good manners and respect for officials, players and to all in the community. They further educate their youth teams on the importance of upholding such values on and off the pitch.

Shipton Bellinger Rams Youth FC
North Hants - Youth Male

Shipton Bellinger Rams FC is based in the village of Shipton Bellinger in Wiltshire and play in the Testway Youth League. The club is FA Charter Standard and very proud of it. Back in 2012 the club was re-generated with a new committee and new coaching staff. The volunteer coaches and committee members worked tirelessly to bring football back to the local area for at that time just 3 ages groups. Since then, the club has seen some success on and off the football pitch but, more importantly, has grown with now circa 120 players enjoying the sport of football. The current age range of the players at the club is 5 – 16. The committee continue to work hard on maintaining its Charter Standard status, ensuring the club allows children to learn and develop at their own rate with well-educated guidance. The Club Secretary Natasha is at the forefront of driving this, ensuring the coaches remain qualified and the children remain the focus. Football for all is at the heart of the club and no one is left behind. 

Prosper Youth FC
Portsmouth - Youth Male

Prosper FC was founded in August 2021 by friends who met through the world of football. Jordan and Ben had a vision to create a club with an ethos of respect, determination, and resilience. The pair set out to pass their message onto young players, nurturing and developing them to be the best versions of themselves, and 'Prosper' on and off the pitch. In the club’s second season, they entered the Portsmouth Youth League with two teams that represented the club with dignity, prowess, and togetherness. This has led to significant recognition from the Portsmouth community. This prestigious award is an honour to the club who will endeavour to uphold the same principles in future seasons.

Wellow Youth FC
Southampton - Youth Male

Wellow Youth FC was set up to provide opportunities for children of all abilities to participate in football in the hope of inspiring the next generation. The club educates its youth by teaching and incorporating life skills into their learning and furthermore, encourages children to lead healthy and active lifestyles. The club prioritises fun and enjoyment for all, ensuring that this is at the forefront of their teaching. In 2021/22 the club was awarded the Joyce Singleton Award from the Eastleigh & District Mini Soccer League as ‘Club of the Year’, something the club is also immensely proud of. 

AFC Bedhampton Village Ladies
County Award - Adult Women

Jon Fowler has managed AFC Bedhampton Ladies’ first team since its formation in 2020. The team compete in the Hampshire County Women's Football League and are a successful set-up, progressing their team while introducing and transitioning younger women into adult football. The ladies’ team have been a credit to the club and to the female game. They are thoroughly deserving of the Hampshire FA Fair Play Award.

Worthys Youth FC
County Award- Youth Girls

Worthys Youth FC is in every way a community club, with 24 teams registered for the 2023/24 season, including seven girls’ teams. The growth of girls’ football continues at an incredible pace, both locally and around the world. Much of this success in the UK has stemmed from Wildcats football, introduced by The FA, and then developed within clubs such as Worthys by their superb coaches. The club is so proud of all its girls' teams in receiving this Fair Play Award – it is testament to the exemplary behaviours they've shown over the course of the season in playing by the rules, respecting opposition players and officials, and attaining such a fantastic disciplinary record. Well done, Worthys girls, coaches and parents!

Hampshire FA Grounds Team of the Year Awards
A Hampshire FA Grounds Team of the Year Award recognises grounds teams or individuals that are working diligently to provide the very best playing surfaces across Hampshire. The winners are selected by a panel of industry experts, including our partners and sponsors of this award, Fleet Line Markers, and Hampshire FA’s Facilities & Investment Manager, Sacha Nicholas.

Recipients of this award for the 2022/23 season are:

Shanklin FC - Brian Drudge & Mick Newnham

Shanklin FC was established in 1888 with youth, men’s, and women's sides. The youth set-up has had a successful season and recently took part (and was successful) in a regional tournament. The women's side also won the Hants Division 1 in 2022 and were runners-up in the cup this year. The men's side won back-to-back IOW Division 1 trophies and were runners-up two seasons running in the Hampshire Cup. Additionally, the men’s side won the IOW Memorial Cup this year. As a voluntary-run club, the team maintains its own pitches used by its youth, women, and men's sides. IOW Prison services also use Shanklin FC’s facility for their training. The club is always willing to help other grassroots sides by offering advice and/or loaning equipment to support their set-ups. 

East Christchurch SSC FC - Steve Berry

Steve Berry started marking pitches 14 years ago when he took full control of the pitches. This has led him to become the full-time groundsman for AFC Bournemouth, Wimborne Town and he still maintains the pitches for East Christchurch Sports and Social Club FC on a voluntary basis. Steve has achieved similar awards for his work on the football pitches and has even received the Groundsman of the Year award in other sports such as Rugby. 

QK Southampton FC - Don Campbell

Don Campbell has been the Club Secretary for QK Southampton FC for several years. The club moved into Lordshill Rec in 1999 when their old ground closed. The Southampton City Council initially maintained the pitch but when the club signed the lease in 2005, the club took control of maintaining their pitch. Numerous volunteers would support the upkeep and maintenance of the pitch, ensuring the pitch was in top condition for playing matches and training. In 2014, Don retired and was able to invest more time in grounds maintenance. The club has received investment from the Football Foundation and has used the funds to complete additional works. This has been an invaluable help to the club overall. Don spends one whole day a week mowing the pitch and the outfield and preparing the ground for weekend matches.  

Hampshire FA 3G ATP Pitch of the Year Awards
A Hampshire FA 3G ATP Pitch of the Year Award recognises the very best artificial playing surfaces across Hampshire. The winners are selected by a panel of industry experts, including our partners and sponsors of this award, Technical Surfaces, and Hampshire FA’s Facilities & Investment Manager, Sacha Nicholas.

Recipients of this award for the 2022/23 season are:

Park Community School

The school received funding from a variety of partners and a 3G pitch was constructed. As a community school, the impact of having the 3G pitch has been immense. Football can now be played all year round instead of several cancellations due to waterlogged pitches. For the last nine years, the school has been able to offer a high-quality facility to support grassroots and professional clubs. The school and the students have benefited throughout the day and consider it a great asset to have in the community. Furthermore, the school is proud to have maintained its FIFA and FA accreditation. The pitch is maintained by the in-house site team and additionally, engages a professional grounds company.  

Alton FC

Alton FC has over 40 teams from Under 7’s through to a Step 5 First Team. The club also has a thriving walking football set-up with players all keen to play on its excellent 3G pitch. The ground is used weekly by Portsmouth FC’s Academy, and other clubs, schools, competitions, and holiday camps throughout the year. Keeping the pitch in top shape is Head Groundsman and volunteer, Tony Saunders, whose hard work extends well beyond the 3G surface; from welding replacement goal wheel brackets to engineering a custom-made Veo camera bracket to fit on a floodlight stand. The Alton FC committee and all its members are extremely grateful for the hard work and dedication that Tony commits throughout the year to enable so much football and enjoyment at The Exclusive Networks Stadium in Anstey Park.

Hampshire FA Partnership of the Year Award
A Hampshire FA Partnership of the Year Award recognises successful outcomes achieved by working with a commercial partner or sponsor during the season. This award is sponsored by Paris Smith LLP. We wish to thank our partners and judging panel of this year’s award, including Bargate Homes, Peter Cooper Motor Group and Topodium Group.

Recipients of this award for the 2022/23 season are:

Solent Sports FC & R;pple Suicide Prevention and Havant and East Hants Mind

Solent Sports FC was founded four years ago by Chairman and Founder Steve Fletcher as a way of tackling social isolation. In the club’s short history, it has raised over £20,000 for good causes, won the Hampshire FA Project of the Year Award in 2022 and the Havant Sports Award in 2023. This Partnership of the Year Award was achieved by bringing together several mental health projects that have had a real impact on tackling the stigma surrounding mental health in football. The club has worked with R;pple Suicide Prevention and Havant and East Hants Mind to get men openly talking and discussing their mental health. The club has also trained several mental health sports ambassadors in local teams through its work with Havant and East Hants Mind. 

Hampshire FA Academy Awards
A Hampshire FA Academy Award recognises outstanding accomplishments achieved by the students on the programme during the 2022/23 season. 

Recipients of this award for the 2022/23 season are:

Keira Smith

Keira is a talented and driven 17-year-old girl who has been playing football since she was just 5 years old. Over the years Keira has developed an impressive football career showcasing her skills on the pitch and earning recognition from her coaches, teammates, and opponents alike. Her goal against Brighton is proof of her ability to think creatively when she has the ball and shows her ability to shoot from anywhere on the pitch. Keira thoroughly enjoys the Hampshire FA Academy programme for the knowledge and dedication the staff have to the sport and believes the programme is fast preparing her for the next steps on her sporting journey. 

Tom Keil

Tom is a second-year student that has regularly put in standout performances throughout the season. In a team that only lost once in the league all year, his ability to take responsibility and show leadership through his performances helped to carry his team towards a title charge. Tom’s behaviour and application has been faultless in both the classroom and on the pitch. He’s also contributed regularly with goals from midfield.

Karl Abbot

Karl started playing grassroots football at the age of four and developed his passion for playing in goal. After completing his GCSEs, he wanted to find a course that combined his enjoyment of the game and simultaneously, would put him on the path to a career in the sport. The Hampshire FA Academy programme provided the perfect combination of the two. With exceptional maturity, he has applied himself superbly to the academy training sessions, matches, open evenings, and events. Karl has been an exemplary student and represents the true values of the programme.

Henry Brown

Henry is a first-year student that has applied himself well this season. He’s led the team exceptionally well on the pitch with his consistent performances in midfield. Henry’s technical ability has been evident during matches and training, with his range of passing being a real attribute to the team. Henry brings the same attitude and dedication he shows on the pitch to the classroom, and has subsequently achieved high grades. He is an exceptional student that will continue to produce results both on and off the pitch. Thanks to FIFA, Henry has managed to learn all the flags of the world. Additionally, his nickname at home is 'Statto', for his incredible talent in knowing and retaining all the footballing statistics.

Leah Etheridge

Leah is a resilient, talented and hardworking footballer who has played for both Baddesley Park FC and Wellow FC as their goalkeeper at Grassroots level. At 14, she made the move to a girls' team and signed for Eastleigh in the Community U16 Girls. She then progressed to the U18s and then celebrated winning the Hampshire FA Cup with Eastleigh Women's Reserves this season. She has also made her debut in Eastleigh Women’s First team this season, playing in their Cup Final and making some phenomenal saves. Leah is always wanting to learn and push herself in all areas of her Goalkeeping and development. She has been a standout performer in the Academy girls’ team this season. Her shot-stopping ability has been a key attribute in the academy, and equally as has her performance overall.

Hampshire FA Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Heroes Awards
A Hampshire FA EDI Heroes Award recognises people and organisations that have carried out extraordinary work to better support EDI within Hampshire’s grassroots football community during the 2022/23 season. 

Recipients of this award for the 2022/23 season are:

Chris Berry

Chris' interest in developing his knowledge around valuing difference and inclusion stretches across his professional and footballing life. In addition to supporting the growth of women and girls’ football over the years, Chris has continued to educate himself about challenges faced by those with protected characteristics by attending Hampshire FA's diversity and inclusion workshops. Chris prides himself on being an ally, seeing allyship as an action rather than as a label and takes positive action to ensure football continues to be accessible for all.

Duke Harrison-Hunter

Duke commenced his role as an EDI lead in 2019. Within the first 18 months, he secured a place on the Football Black List, an award that celebrates black excellence in grassroots football and the community. In the week, he delivers regular football sessions and oversees after-school football provision. His goal is to continue to implement his EDI knowledge to create a fun, safe and welcoming environment for coaches and young people to develop their understanding. Duke also delivers EDI training and workshops to staff and additionally to the BTEC players that work alongside the first team players in his role at Pompey in the Community. Duke hopes to continue his role at Pompey in the Community with the aim of inspiring all those he meets and, the next generation of grassroots footballers.

Asian Welfare & Cultural Association

The Asian Welfare & Cultural Association (AWCA) have extensively promoted the grassroots game in the local community. This year, the AWCA is promoting ‘playing football for fun’ and has invited Hampshire FA to attend its annual Mela (a multicultural event held in Eastleigh). The event this year will be held on 23rd July from 11 am until 6 pm. The event invites children of all ages to enjoy a free trial. Additionally, the AWCA joined forces with Hampshire FA’s Corporate Social Responsibility team last year to support their bi-annual community event in Eastleigh, serving free hot meals and beverages to the local community. 

Unity 101 FC

Unity 101 FC is a football club based in Southampton. The club was established in 2016 and currently competes in the Southampton Sunday League. The club's name is derived from Unity 101, a community radio station based in Southampton that serves the local area with a range of programmes, including coverage of local sports. Unity 101 FC aims to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and promote community spirit through football.

England Grassroots Football Awards
An England Grassroots Football Award celebrates individuals for their efforts, commitment and impact on the grassroots game. It is our opportunity to celebrate the people who have put their heart and soul into football across England. 

Recipients of this award for the 2022/23 season are:

Jacob Wright
Match Official of the Year

Jacob began his career in refereeing at the age of 14 and quickly progressed through the levels to coach and mentor other referees. In his refereeing career, he has been promoted to Level 3 and this has led him to officiate many National League matches and for several football league sides. Jacob has been awarded ‘Best Youth Referee in Portsmouth’ in 2012 and in 2019 achieved the ‘Best Level 4 Referee’ award. In 2017 he formed the Portsmouth Refereeing Development Group (PRDG) which helps young referees from the Portsmouth area progress in refereeing by offering them a safe place to discuss their matches and help resolve any issues they may have encountered, whilst educating them on the Laws of the Game. Through the PRDG he has worked with over 50 referees in the local area and has helped 36 referees achieve promotion.

Hampshire County Women’s Football League
League of the Year Award

The Hampshire County Women's Football League was formed in 1999 and today boasts 6 divisions, 50 teams and 1500 registered players. Many players have progressed through various divisions through to the Southern Region and National leagues. Beginners are also encouraged, assisted, and nurtured throughout. Managers as well as coaches have established rapport within the teams, creating a safe and friendly environment for all to flourish. The league has seen lasting friendships, relationships and even families created, with many women juggling their football with parental duties. Teams are encouraged to participate in various competitions and have picked up various silverware over the years as well. The female game looks promising with participation truly on the rise, and this will undoubtedly be the case in the league as it continues to be backed by a supportive and dedicated workforce.

Kellie Flexman
Female Pathway Coach of the Year Award

Kellie got involved in grassroots football in 2005 when her daughter joined Boscombe Albion FC. The team needed a coach and Kellie stepped up with no prior football experience and took both her Level 1 and 2 coaching badges. Kellie has managed girls' youth teams and additionally has taken on the roles of Secretary, Chairman and Welfare Officer across both New Milton Town Men's & Women's sections. Kellie extensively promotes girls and women's football and has set-up Weetabix Wildcats sessions at the club. She has also voluntarily coached in local schools to encourage more girls into the sport.

Connor Holloway
Disability Pathway Coach of the Year Award

Connor has been volunteering on the AFC Bournemouth Ability Counts U16 Disability Pathway for three years and has supported their Community Sports Trust (CST) coaches to deliver sessions for their Ability Counts U16 teams. He also plays himself for their CP team and Ability Counts Senior Team, training weekly and playing competitive fixtures. Connor started up by first setting up and arranging kit and cones, however, has now progressed to delivering football-based activities to young people in small groups during the team’s weekly evening sessions. Connor further supports the teams with motivational team talks and offers individual support to players that require it.

Aiden Bevan
Male Pathway Coach of the Year Award

Aiden started as a player and got back into football 8 years ago when his son joined a team. Aiden became a coach at AFC Stoneham when there were 22 boys in search of a new manager and created two new teams. This was the beginning of the club’s extensive youth development programme. Aiden has been with AFC Stoneham Wolves who compete in Division 3 and who narrowly missed out on promotion by one point. The team has grown together, through good and challenging times and pride themselves on having a supportive football family. Parents have all contributed to the set-up over the years, including Aiden’s wife who has undertaken PA duties and organised fundraising events to raise money for the club. Everything he does, he does for the team.

Hythe & Dibden Youth FC
Club of the Year Award

At Hythe & Dibden Youth FC there is one clear goal - to become one of the FA’s benchmark clubs for inclusivity in youth football. The club’s motto is 'We All Can Play’, stemming from the belief that football can be a vehicle to empower children and young people with positive skills and values and have a powerful impact on their lives. The club’s mission is to make these benefits available to all, regardless of ability. The club works hard to keep the teams in each age group connected as one squad through a ‘soft tiering’ system. This enables the club to create a range of playing environments and conditions for players to be able to enjoy the beautiful game. The club has pushed hard over the last 10 years to grow girls’ football in the area and has over 120 girls and a girls’ team in every age group, offering playing opportunities for all.

Lacey Smith
New Volunteer of the Year Award

Lacey has been involved in football for most of her childhood through to her early 20s. In November 2021 (and with a few women’s teams in the local area) Lacey and a friend established Paulsgrove Ladies, a brand-new female team and the first of its kind at the club, who went on to win the division. During the season, Lacey volunteered for the committee as a Division rep and supported several teams and events with their communications. Lacey has enjoyed watching the women’s game progress to the heights it is at now and hopes this will continue to be the case, especially locally at the Hampshire County Women’s Football League.

Tariq Al-Maskriy
Young Volunteer of the Year Award

Tariq got involved in grassroots football during his time at college when he started coaching. Whilst studying at university, he also undertook an internship with Hampshire FA and worked alongside Alienor Chartier and the football delivery team. The focus of the internship was on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) work, and throughout the past year assisted in the development of many campaigns and projects such as the Rainbow Laces campaign and the Hope tournament. Tariq now hopes to expand his knowledge in the field and continue his development.

Solent Sports FC
The Lioness Award

Solent Sports FC established a women's recreational football group three years ago based on feedback that there wasn’t anywhere for females to just play football. Founder, Steve Fletcher sought to change this, and Solent Sports FC began offering sessions. The club delivers six weekly groups supporting over 120 female players. Solent Sports have sponsored and supported a few girls’ school teams with kits and additionally, the club organised several trips to Wembley to watch the Lionesses. Last season the club sponsored two grassroots teams by offering them a facility to continue their female football provision. Next season Solent Sports FC are creating a league football team, made up of players who’ve returned to the game via the recreational pathway.

Kieran Way
Positive Football Environment Award

Kieran’s pathway into grassroots football is a similar story for many of us. From watching his son at his football sessions to then becoming the U7s (now U16s) Coach for the team. During his time at the club, he has served in various roles including as Vice-Chairman, Club Treasurer, Goalkeeper Coach, and has even officiated matches. He has upheld the same principle throughout: it is about developing as an individual and as a team; not just as a footballer, but as a person. As a coach, he has had the pleasure of helping players through footballing and personal journeys and is thankful to Southbrook Youth FC for giving him the chance to positively impact young people through the sport.

Shanklin FC
Grounds Team of the Year Award - Brian Drudge & Mick Newnham

Shanklin FC was established in 1888 with youth, men’s, and women's sides. The youth set-up has had a successful season and recently took part (and was successful) in a regional tournament. The women's side also won the Hants Division 1 in 2022 and were runners-up in the cup this year. The men's side won back-to-back IOW Division 1 trophies and were runners-up two seasons running in the Hampshire Cup. Additionally, the men’s side won the IOW Memorial Cup this year. As a voluntary-run club, the team maintains its own pitches used by its youth, women, and men's sides. IOW Prison services also use Shanklin FC’s facility for their training. The club is always willing to help other grassroots sides by offering advice and/or loaning equipment to support their set-ups. 

Hampshire FA Foundation Awards
A Hampshire FA Foundation Award recognises an individual, club, league or organisation that has contributed to one of Hampshire FA Foundation’s three key pillars. Those pillars are: Disability Football, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, and/or Community Coaching throughout the 2022-23 season.

Recipients of this award for the 2022/23 season are:

Alix Taylor (Care4Calais)

Until watching the asylum seeker football team from Basingstoke play their first match, Alix confesses she has only ever watched 2 football matches - the Lionesses winning the Euros last year & England beating West Germany in 1966. However, after becoming a volunteer with Care4Calais in Dec 2021 it became evident that football was going to be one of the most important ways to reduce stress and improve the mental health of the many individuals sadly confined in hotel rooms. Alix is incredibly grateful to Hampshire FA for providing the monthly football sessions at Winklebury and for the Equality FC 5-a-side tournaments. She confirms it is a privilege to watch them and to witness their happiness on the pitch instead of the stress on their faces.

Brading Town Pan-Disability FC

Brading Town founded their ‘Invicta’ inclusive football section in 2019 after a successful school session pilot. The club now has young people training with them from U8s through to U21s. Brading takes both male and female players each month from the Isle of Wight to play in the Eastleigh Pan-Disability League.

The FA Long Service to Football Award

The FA Long Service to Football Award is a highly prestigious award made to those who have given an astonishing 50 years of service to football.

Recipients of this award for the 2022/23 season are:

Chas Morrison

Chas qualified as a referee in London in 1970 and moved through the refereeing levels whilst living in Surrey (then in five other counties) before moving to Hampshire in 1988. Chas officiated in local and professional football, moving back into local football in 1990 because of the FA age restrictions at that time. He became a Training Officer for referees in 1993, the County Training Officer 5 years later, and then the Area Advisor (Referees) for Hampshire and Dorset. He continues to train new and current referees to this day. He has been an Assessor / Referee Observer since 1995. In the last two seasons, Chas helped to deliver 20 courses for new referees, plus workshops for promotion candidates, and in season 2022/23 completed Referee Observer duties at 65 matches in Steps 3 to 6 football. 

Bill Moore

Bill has been involved in football since 1970 as a player, coach, manager, and club chairman and currently serves as a member of the Hampshire FA Male Pathway Panel and Wessex League Management Board. Bill thoroughly enjoys being involved in football and will continue to stay involved for as long as possible, wishing to contribute all that he can to the game that he loves. He considers this a wonderful stage to have reached in his journey, where he feels he can truly give something back to football by being involved in the organisation and administration side of it. Seeing others achieve the same levels of enjoyment and satisfaction that he has had over the years fills him with confidence for the future of the game.