Capital's grassroots pride

Last week saw Leyton Orient FC’s Matchroom Stadium play host to the London Football Association’s Fourth Annual Awards evening.

The awards previously hosted at Soho Square and the New Den, were conceived to honour those who have made a significant contribution to the development of football in London, with many of those who received awards being volunteers in their spare time.

Steve Bartlett picked up an award for his work with disabled footballers in Hackney and the Leyton Orient Advanced Soccer School (LOASS) won the Charter Standard Youth Club of the Year award.

Formed in 1997, LOASS provides a direct link between the local football-playing community and Leyton Orient FC through its 13 teams and is supported by Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme (LOCSP) and the University Of East London (UEL).

The night’s youngest winner, Ian Wood, accompanied by his father Andrew, won the ‘Workforce Under 18’ award for his coaching role with Charlton Athletic’s, Junior Reds Football Team.

“It’s brilliant to get this award, I’m over the moon” said the young coach.  “It helps to increase your confidence when coaching and I’m now looking forward to doing my Level One coaching badge.”

Diane Culligan was also a proud recipient after receiving an award for her outstanding contribution to female football.  Diane, who is connected to Hampstead Ladies and a qualified referee, also received a signed England Ladies shirt.

“It’s lovely to receive this award from the London FA,” said Diane.

“There are lots of girls wanting to play football and if we put our heads together and work together then it will happen.”

Josie Clifford, Development Officer at the London FA and former England player, described the awards evening as a chance to “give back something to football’s key supporters.”

Award Winners

Charter Standard Coach of the Year - Richard Braham
Charter Standard Administrator of the Year - Phil Leeds
Charter Standard Development club of the Year - Junior Reds
Charter Standard Youth Club of the Year - LOASS
Charter Standard Community Club of the Year - Phoenix Sports Club
Male Fair Play Award - Waterloo U13s
Female Fair Play Award - Long Lane U14s
Charter Standard Female Club of the Year - Parkwood Rangers
Outstanding Contribution to Female Football - Diane Culligan
Football Workforce U18 - Ian Wood
Football Workforce U25 - Chris Roberts
Football Workforce - Julia Town, Glen Laing, Yakup Huseyin, Mark Pearson, Chris Dickenson, Dennis O’ Connor
Education Partner of the Year - Graham Swann
Education Partner of the Year - John Larter
Contribution to Development of Refereeing - Jeff Pettitt
Disability Partnership - Steve Bartlett
North London Partnership of the Year - Michael MacNeil
South London Partnership of the Year - Sally Dolan
Special Partnership Award - Sarah Mawle
Special Partnership Award - Derek Bennett