Third annual awards day at Wembley to celebrate youngsters' achievements.
Click here to watch action from the awards ceremony
Friday 6 May saw 23 students attend an inspiring day at The Football Futures Graduation and Recognition Awards at Wembley Stadium.
This was the third annual recognition awards to celebrate the achievements of young people, who have made an outstanding contribution to volunteering in grassroots football.
The event recognised ambassadors from BCS, BUCS and The FA ambassadors who have dedicated three years to the National FA Leadership and Volunteering Programme graduated from the programme and also became ambassadors for the programme.
The FA National Education Manager, Donna McIvor, commented: “The FA Football Futures Leadership and Volunteering programme places the young person at the heart of the programme.
"It is as much about the personal development of every young person in the programme and their future in and out of football, as it is about supporting grassroots football. Today, we celebrate some extraordinary young people with some exceptional talents.”
The young volunteers recognised on the day were:
The FA Graduates: Lindsey Tugby (Leicestershire and Rutland FA), Rosie Eggleston (Dorset FA), Nick Story (Northumberland FA), Jenny Whitehead (Cheshire FA), Stuart Brown (Leicestershire and Rutland FA).
BCS: Shamila Azeem, Matthew Cox, Rachel Fearn, Amber Guy-Kemp, Richard Graham, Kirsty Lincoln, Tegan McCann, Joseph Wiafe Danquah, Daniel Wright, Craig Zimmerman.
BUCS: Charlotte Proud, Gavin Beard, Graham Stark, James Brown, James Salmon, Rebecca Todd, Sean Szabo, Suzanne Oliver, Tim Wells.
Three of the BUCS awards winners Becca Todd, Sue Oliver and Charlotte Proud have all progressed through The FA’s programme, after attending the National Leadership and Volunteering Camp in 2008 and 2009. They are now making a real impact volunteering in the University setting.
Becca Todd revealed: "I graduated The FA programme last year and to be back again this year is a dream come true. I have been given the opportunity to continue my volunteering through university through what BUCS have offered and I’m enjoying every minute of it."
Stuart Brown, 19, spoke on behalf of his fellow graduates by adding: "The five of us have all had such a fantastic experience being part of this programme. We’ve all grown so much as people, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity that I’ve been given’
Programme Ambassador Emily Simpkins, 20, acted as Master of Ceremonies for the day, after graduating herself last year. "Being asked back today has been brilliant for me, and everybody should be proud of their achievements. I owe so much to leadership and volunteering, as it has helped me to get to where I am today – working full time for The FA as a Skills Coach."
Guest of honour for the day was Pete Ackerley, Senior National Game Development Manager. After the event, he commented: "This is one of my favourite days during the year. The commitment and energy of these inspiring young people is incredible and they do a fantastic job making a difference in grassroots football and the future of our game is secure in their hands."
For further information on The FA Football Futures Leadership programme, please contact
Steve.Swallow@thefa.com
