Starlets Win Grassroots Football Awards
29 July 2018
In the perfect end to an incredible first season, Stevenage Starlets FC enjoyed a double celebration at the Hertfordshire FA Grassroots Football Awards last night, picking up both Young Volunteer of the Year and Charter Standard Club of the Year.
These awards recognise and celebrate the work of individuals and groups to instil The FA’s PRIDE values – Progressive, Respectful, Inclusive, Determination and Excellent – and make a positive difference in their club, league or local community.
Describing the awards, which were nominated by the public with the winners being chosen by a panel of local football experts, Greg Clarke, Chairman of The FA, said:
"It’s been fantastic to see a record number of nominations and hear so many stories of dedication and commitment throughout the grassroots game. I would like to congratulate each and every one for their inspirational work."
As a club we couldn’t be more proud that Luke Wilkins has been recognised for everything he does with our Shooting Stars. Luke works in football by day and yet still chooses to give up his time on evenings and weekends.
Working with our youngest age group, his patience and determination has seen them grow in confidence and develop a love for the game. Friendly, approachable and always willing to help others, Luke is also a great role model for any youngsters to look up to and a very worthy winner – congratulations Luke.
If that wasn’t enough, Stevenage Starlets FC were also named winners of the Charter Standard Club of the Year award, in recognition of both our impressive growth and our commitment to providing a quality football environment.
On receiving the award, Starlets Club Secretary and Coach Denise Wells said:
“We are truly honoured to have won this award and it really is the perfect end to what has been an amazing first season for our club. It’s almost unbelievable what has been achieved and we can’t thank enough all those who have helped us.
We have seen such tremendous interest in what we have to offer, growing at an unprecedented rate. All the while our focus has been on maintaining the highest standards so that every girl that joins us has a great experience.”
Everyone at the club puts in so much time and effort, so of course it’s lovely to be recognised in this way, but we don’t do it to win awards. It’s really all about the girls and the pleasure that comes from seeing them enjoy playing the game.
We all want this to be just the start of something special. Our challenge now is how to build on this and continue to grow and get more girls into football for many years to come, leaving a real legacy for female sport in our town.”
Speaking at the event, George Wells, Acting Chief Executive of Hertfordshire FA, said:
“Our winners work to create a fun, safe and inclusive environment for everyone, always striving for the best – in themselves and those around them. They behave with fairness and integrity, with the passion and dedication to overcome challenges and have a truly positive impact in their community.
To us these are the real football heroes, and we are proud to celebrate their efforts tonight.”
