On Thursday 2 September, we hosted the Kent FA Grassroots Workforce Awards 2021 at the Tudor Park Marriott Hotel and County Club for a celebratory and inspiring evening.  

Every year, we celebrate those people who make a positive difference to our football community. It’s our way of celebrating the fantastic individuals who put their heart and soul into the grassroots game across Kent – and say a huge thank you to the incredible volunteers who inspire us all.

During the award ceremony, we announced our local winners for The FA and McDonalds Grassroots Football Awards as well as presented a number of lifetime services awards and referee service awards. New for 2021, Kent FA also launched The Colin Boswell Young Referee of the Year Award. Sadly, in May 2020, Colin Boswell, former Kent FA President, passed away after a short battle with cancer. 

The fantastic winners are:

The FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards 

Coach of the Year for Adults – Jo Treharne, Canterbury Old Bags

Coach of the Year for Youth – Simon Ryan, Swanscombe Tigers

Club of the Year – Aylesford FC

Volunteer of the Year – Paul Carter, Westerham JFC

Project of the Year – Aylesford FC

Rising Star of the Year – Ethan Clayton, Whitstable Town FC

The Spirit of Grassroots Football Award – Steven Groves, Tonbridge Junior FC

The Colin Boswell Young Referee of the Year Award - Josh Williams

Lifetime Service Award

Colin West 
Keith Vaughan 

50 years Officiating Service Awards

Stuart Clay
Stewart Spashett
Keith Wenham
Keith Whitlock

Speaking at the event, Kent FA CEO, Darryl Haden, said: “Tonight has been an inspiring and celebratory evening. These awards are our way of thanking our outstanding volunteer workforce who work tirelessly to ensure grassroots football in Kent is the success it is today. Congratulations to all our fantastic winners this evening. But we would also like to congratulate all of the unsung heroes across the county, for the outstanding support and positivity that you have contributed to our communities throughout the pandemic. Without our volunteer heroes, grassroots football would not exist. So, on behalf of everyone at Kent FA, thank you."