A corner flag flies in a strong breeze on Hackney's South Marsh (Gavin Ellis/TGSPHOTO)

Latest news from the Essex FA

Essex clubs, coaches and volunteers will hope their FA Community Award nominations are eventually assessed by Sir Geoff Hurst and Sir Trevor Brooking at the national stage, but first they have to ensure their submissions are received in time for the county deadline of Friday March 22 at www.thefa.com/yourgame.

The Essex FA’s Football Development Officers have again challenged grassroots clubs and individuals to gain more recognition as The FA and their Community Partners, McDonald’s, accept nominations for the annual awards.

They aim to offer rewards across the country through a structured local and regional process, eventually culminating in national winners being announced in August at the FA Community Shield.

At the national stage the judging panel is likely to include England legends Hurst and Brooking, and Essex has an excellent record of success on a wider scale. People from across the region can initially nominate their unsung hero for one of the award categories so they can be acknowledged for their commitment throughout the last year. The categories are:

o People’s Choice Award (Outstanding Contribution to Community Football)

o The FA Charter Standard Community Club Award

o The FA Charter Standard Development Club Award

o The FA Charter Standard Club Award

o The FA Charter Standard League Award

o Volunteer of the Year Award

o Young Volunteer of the Year Award

o Coach of the Year Award

The Essex FA’s senior football development officer Ian Bent has repeated that clubs and individuals need to register as soon as possible, explaining: “We’re proud to have a very strong network here which has been recognised many times before.

“This is a great opportunity to celebrate the dedication and commitment shown across the county - fingers crossed we can get more finalists and national winners from Essex like we have in previous years!”

The awards build on the continued commitment of McDonald’s to improve standards of community football and increase participation across all aspects through FA Charter Standard Clubs and Leagues. Over the coming years, McDonald’s will continue their work with The FA, aiming to help coaches play an even greater role in their local communities.

To find out more about the awards, read about last year’s winners and nominate an individual club or league from your community by 22nd March, log onto www.thefa.com/yourgame, or call Ian Bent on (01245) 393094. Further details on grassroots football are available at www.essexfa.com or by following @EssexCountyFA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/EssexCountyFA.