Outstanding Contribution nominees Day 1

One of the highlights of this Sunday’s FA Community Awards presentation by McDonald's will be the 'Outstanding Contribution' category with eight fantastic volunteers in the mix for the prestigious accolade.

Today TheFA.com focuses on Jeff Brown and Liz Barnett:

Jeff Brown
To say that Jeff Brown has dedicated his life to grassroots football in Somerset is a slight understatement. Having made his debut for Wellington AFC as a teenager back in 1959, the 66-year-old is still involved in Somerset football today having held positions such as treasurer, secretary and chairman for the Taunton Youth League over the last 30 years.

Jeff’s time at the helm of the Taunton Youth League has also seen a marked increase in football participation as well with over 100 teams looking forward to the 2010-11 season compared to just 30 in the late-Seventies.

Wellington AFC have also benefitted from Jeff’s enthusiasm over the years, having managed the first-team as a 20-year-old and spearheading their drive for a new clubhouse facility in 1973.

Wellington’s Colin Waller commented: “He has always been a driving force and is a true inspiration, worthy of special recognition.”

Liz Barnett
Mention Slough and the first person that springs to mind is Ricky Gervais’ boss from hell, David Brent. But talk to anyone working in the town’s grassroots football community and there’s only one name on everyone’s lips - Liz Barnett.

Not only did the Barnett family help set up Mini-Soccer in the local area but Liz volunteers as club secretary of Golden Eagles, registration secretary of the Slough Mini-Soccer League and, if there’s still enough hours in the day, somehow fits in a role as President of the Slough Soccer Combination.

With so many positions in local football to juggle, it’s no surprise that Liz is highly organised and can be seen at Keddminster Park in Langley every Sunday, and in all weather, to make sure that all the local games run smoothly across the day.

Golden Eagles’ Samantha Hood commented: “She believes in the Respect programme and truly deserves this award for all her years of volunteering. I’m sure that not enough people have said thank you over the years so I want to do that on behalf of everyone who has taken part in youth football in Slough.

“Thanks Liz, I wish more people were like you!”