Hosted by Sky News Presenter, Jacquie Beltrao, Surrey FA held our Grassroots Awards ceremony, at the Guildford Harbour Hotel on Wednesday 24^th August. The celebrations were an opportunity to recognise those in the Surrey footballing community, who go above and beyond to make a difference in the grassroots game.

The awards returned to a live setting following 2 years of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sponsored by Harbour Hotel group, it gave Surrey FA the opportunity to welcome volunteers, coaches, clubs, leagues, and many more to celebrate.

On the evening we were pleased to welcome a variety of celebrity guests, who live in Surrey and are actively involved in the sport to support the association in a variety of ways. 

This year’s celebrity guests who presented awards to the deserved winners included: 

Jon Harley – Ex footballer and Under 21 Youth Coach Chelsea FC

Mark Bright – Ex footballer, broadcaster and Crystal Palace Ambassador

Marcus Gayle – ex international footballer, kick it out ambassador and currently Brentford Club Ambassador

Simone Pound – Head of Diversity at The Professional Footballers Association

Leigh Nicol – Current Women’s Team player for Crystal Palace

Paul Hall – Jamaican First team manager and Under 23 manager at Queens Park Rangers.

The fever of the Women’s Euros was very much present on the night, as audience members waved their England flags proudly and presenters spoke about the remarkable moment Leah Williamson lifted the trophy some 3 weeks prior, and what that moment will do for the women and girls’ game for many years to come. 

Their final special guest also presenting the Services to Women’s Football Award was Chief Executive Officer of The Football Association, Mark Bullingham. 

Chief Executive Officer of The Football Association, Mark Bullingham, said: 

“It is terrific to see grassroots heroes being celebrated for their achievements. Their contribution makes the difference in enabling everyone to be involved in the game and these awards are a show of gratitude for their continued hard work”.

Surrey FA Chief Executive Officer, Sally Lockyer, said:

“This has been a great time to celebrate the fantastic people that make grassroots football in Surrey what it is. They deserve to be recognised for their outstanding achievements and we are delighted to be support and deliver that for the whole footballing community”.

You can watch a special feature, captured by our content partners Capital Content, on our YouTube channel by following the link below. 

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