Lindsay Carrington has been named Volunteer of the Year at The FA Community Awards presented by McDonald’s, writes Steven Downes.
Having served as Club Secretary at Upton JFC in Chester for the past four years, Lindsay has overseen a massive growth in the club with player numbers from in teams from U6s to U18s now topping the 400 mark - representing a 50 per cent increase since her arrival and making the club the biggest junior football club in Chester.
The award was handed to her at Wembley Stadium prior to the annual Community Shield match between Premier League champions Leicester City and Emirates FA Cup winners Manchester United.
"When I was told I would be receiving the award, it definitely overwhelmed me for a moment," revealed Lindsay, who was joined by her family to witness her receive the prestigious honour.
"We are a football mad family, and to go to Wembley is just fantastic and to have my three children there with me is just amazing."
Lindsay is a leading light among the 400,000 volunteers that are the lifeblood of grassroots football in England. She is involved activities ranging from player registration, club finance, coaching and also heads up fundraising activities.
"I know there are a lot of people like me out there who put a lot of hard work in and give up a lot of time, who are just as capable of winning it," she added.
"I manage a number of teams and have a lot of roles and try to balance those roles equally.
"There is many of a moment where I am walking the dogs and just thinking what my next email is going to be!"
