As part of the 2024 National Grassroots Football Awards, we are proud to announce that Kent has two national award winners.

Anchorians FC and Lorraine Humm, Maidstone United Raiders FC, were recognised and celebrated at the Community Shield fixture between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, 10 August 2024.

The England Football Grassroots Football Awards demonstrate the amazing passion, talent, and dedication of every volunteer in the England Football Family. Nominations are submitted annually to celebrate the fantastic individuals who put their heart and soul into the grassroots game across England.

Club of the Year: Anchorians FC 

With 65% of its membership coming from the country’s 10% lowest incomes, Anchorians’ ethos is giving everyone opportunities to participate. With 210+ volunteers and 1,200+ players, the club arranges free 20-minute health check-ups, gives families on free school meals a free football session, a free meal and washing facilities, and free football sessions for homeless people. With community at its heart, the club used its annual charity event to raise a fantastic £5.4k from two football games. Congratulations Anchorians!

Positive Football Award: Lorraine Humm

You can always count on Lorraine. Running the 200+ player disability section. Fundraising. Event organising. Stewarding. Coaching the men, women, U23s, academy, boys, girls, walking, disability, pan-disability, Pebbles, Wildcats, Squad and Comets. The time-consuming tasks like being vice chair and manager and looking after the club’s three-star accreditation. Then there’s the kit washing, sponsoring and recycling. Not to mention collecting litter and organising food banks. Even dressing as a dinosaur – Lorraine, we salute you!

Congratulations, Anchorians and Lorraine. We are so very proud of you.