sussex county fa awards evening thursday 21st september 2017 AMERICAN EXPRESS COMMUNITY STADIUM

supported by engraving contents for all your trophy & engraving needs 05 Welcome 06 order of Events 10 sussex County FA Football Workforce Awards 15 the FA Groundsman of the Year Award 16 sussex COUNTY FA LONG SERVICE AWARDS 20 sussex COUNTY FA Referee Awards 25 sussex County fa representative squad awards 27 the FA NATIONAL YOUTH FUTSAL FESTIVAL 29 the FA COMMUNITY SHIELD DISTRIBUTION FUND 30 the FA & SUSSEX COUNTY FA Referee Awards 33 sussex COUNTY FA Referee Awards 35 the FA Community Awards presented by McDonald’s 01273 682361 45 the FA Referee Awards 47 the REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION AWARDS [email protected] 48 the fa LONG SERVICE AWARDS proud suppliers to:

www.gordongroup.co.uk

contents 03 Do you know welcome Howthe Sussex CountyFA supports grassrootsfootball?

38,000 2,400 TEAMS DIVERSE PLAYERS OF ALL AGES 12,000 560 CLUBS VOLUNTEERS

825 QUALIFIED 950 250 £3m Good evening and They say success is no accident. Sussex; be it facilitating play QUALIFIED WELFAREOFFICERS TOTALINVESTMENT welcome to the Sussex COACHES LINKED REFEREES MAKING FOOTBALL It is a combination of hard or encouraging others to get TO CLUBS KEEP THE SAFE AND FUN! County FA annual Awards work, perseverance, learning, involved with the game. That GAME Evening. Tonight’s studying, sacrifice and most of dedication and commitment RUNNING supportedbyFootball Foundation grants since awards will recognise all, love of what you are doing from individuals, teams and 2014 those people and or learning to do. clubs, all contributes to what organisations driving we call, ‘the beautiful game’. grassroots football It is difficult for any of us to in Sussex. disagree with those sentiments, I am proud to be the Chairman 270 RESPECT particularly if you are on the of the Sussex County FA and DISABILITY FOOTBALL 95 Dissentcautions Refereenumbers American Footballer, Abby PARTICIPANTS NUMBER OF WOMEN’S down up receiving end of an award. But it is my privilege to recognise AND GIRLS’ TEAMS Wambach once said: “I have IN 2016 40% 12% I believe that to be nominated the achievements of those of allMini-soccer never scored a goal in my life andyouth teams and recognised for your nominated tonight. 70% nowplayinan without getting a pass from FA CHARTER since since achievements is a good thing, STANDARD CLUB 2009 2009 someone else.” Which sums and it is a chance for everyone I hope you enjoy the evening, up the teamwork and support else to hear about your hard be inspired by what you hear behind any person who grabs work and your story. and encouraged to help others the headlines. achieve their goals, or even to DISABILITY £1m 18 30 TEAMS 3 This evening we will recognise achieve them for yourself. INVESTMENT COUNTYCUPS in 2016 REPRESENTATIVE the work of people within our WITH 750 ENTRANTS SQUADS Mathew Major into new grassroots game, many who UNDER-18s Chairman of the Sussex County FA or improved have given countless hours FACILITIES UNDER-16s since 2006 WOMEN’S for the good of football in

Sussex County FA is the governing body of football in Sussex, with the aim to promote, foster, develop and support the game in every way without discrimination. To find out more information please visit: www.SussexFA.com 04 welcome 05 order of events

WELCOME Sussex County FA Football Sussex county fa Workforce Awards Referee Awards - Young Volunteer Award - 35 Year Referee Award - Volunteer Award The FA Community Awards The FA Groundsman presented by McDonald’s of the Year Award - Young Volunteer of the Year Award - Coach of the Year Award Sussex County FA - Charter Standard Club of the Year Award Long Service Awards - Charter Standard Development Club of - 10 Year Staff Award the Year Award - 15 Year Staff Award - Charter Standard Community Club of - 15 Year County Member Award the Year Award - 25 Year Service to Sussex Football Award - Charter Standard League of the Year Award - Best Inclusive Project Award Sussex county fa - Outstanding Contribution to Community Referee Awards Football Award - 15 Year Referee Award The fa Referee Awards Sussex County FA - 40 Year Referee Award Representative Squad Awards - South East Counties Youth Championship The Referees’ Association Awar ds The FA National - Long and Meritorious Service Award Youth Futsal Festival - Under-10s winners the FA Long Service Awards - 50 Year Service to Football Award The FA Community Shield Distribution Fund clos e - Recipients of a £2,500 Grant BREAK The FA Community Shield Distribution Fund - Recipients of a £2,500 Grant

The fa & Sussex county fa Referee Awards - 25 Year Referee Award

06 order of events 07 IT DOESN’T GET MORE SOCIAL THAN THIS Play 11 A SIDE FOOTBALL

Search for 11-a-side football near you, visit TheFA.com/PlayFootball HAVE FUN, MAKE FRIENDS, PLAY FOOTBALL

125 Girls registered to take part in Five Sussex based pilot Wildcats Clubs during the Summer of 2017

We hope to launch more in Spring 2018 Watch this space ..!

OFFICIAL PARTNER 08 THEFA.COM/PLAY-FOOTBALL Sussex County FA Football Workforce Awards

Alex Bradley Beth Garner Sussex RA-FA Sussex County FA Youth Council Youth Council

Alex, 21, has made a Over the past eighteen Parliament, to present their vision significant contribution months, Beth operated as part of a National Mental to refereeing in Sussex as an ambassador for Health in Sport Committee. through his voluntary young people across the Beth has utilised her standing as roles in the past year. county, alongside her a senior member of the Youth Chief of Communication He is involved as a National Council to share her learning RA-FA Youth Council Member, role with the Sussex with fellow members and guests, Sussex RA-FA Youth Council County FA Youth Council. her passion for education is unprecedented and Beth Secretary and Member, Since September 2016, she has Alex Bradley represented Sussex at this year’s RA Committee Member and been instrumental in her passion as a Sussex County FA Referee FA National Leadership Academy for delivery of the Youth Council’s at St George’s Park. Development Group Coach and mental health focus work. Beth Young Volunteer Referee Advisor. has successfully qualified as a He regularly contributes, leads Mental Health in Sport Tutor, Award Winners training evenings, presentations via the organisation Student beth garner and acts in a very reliable and Minds and has readily Sam Boyes Newhaven FC professional manner at all times. championed the workshops. Alex has attended both coaching In addition to this, Beth was and mentoring workshops to Sam has been an The squad were an unruly bunch Finals in 2013, as well as some invaluable in the formation improve his skills for these who tested Sam’s patience and impressive results in the league and of a partnership with the inspiration for girls’ specific roles. football in Newhaven for skills at first, however, he gained tournament matches alike. But most mental health charity Mind. The partnership resulted in the almost seven years. At 23, their respect and researched importantly Sam role modelled He is a pleasure to work with delivery of a new nationally he’s one of the youngest alternative ways of coaching, hard work, team spirit, discipline, and always goes well above including yoga and dance, fun and sportsmanship. He has recognised qualification, the coaches around and he’s the expected level. He is always alongside more conventional inspired so many young people! willing to give his time to help Mental Health in Sport and been coaching Newhaven training methods. others develop and succeed Physical Activity Workshop, Girls’ under-13s team, bringing energy to everything which has been utilised to Sam led the squad through a sam boyes since they were just seven he does. educate over fifty Licensed years old. season of friendly tournaments, Coaches Club members. building their confidence and Sam started out watching his dad skills. He prepared them to play Beth’s work has not gone coach his sister’s team, he built league football, building a team unnoticed on a national scale. up a love and enthusiasm for that possess impressive skills and In March, along with her fellow the game, and when he heard uphold sportsmanship, always Youth Council members, she was there were girls who wanted to playing with a smile on their faces formally invited to the Houses of form a team, there was no coach whatever the outcome. available, so a teenage Sam willingly stepped up. With Sam at the helm, the girls reached The FA National Futsal

10 Sussex County FA Football Workforce Awards 11 Sussex County FA Football Workforce Awards

George Dowell FC

What George has done with some help, they have now for Worthing Football established a development centre Club is nothing short of for the youth in the area, which miraculous. sees over one hundred and seventy kids training with the club, George took over the club a few and this is constantly growing. years ago, when they were in financial trouble and less than a The stand has been refurbished, week before it faced going bust, along with the bar and on he saved the club by injecting into the pitch, step one of the five it a five-figure investment sum. year plan was achieved with promotion into the Isthmian Instillation of a new pitch at the Football League Premier Division. Woodside Road ground was All of this would not have been overseen by George ready george dowell for the 2015-16 season and possible if it wasn’t for George! pam chandler (CENTRE) Ben Van Nes Sussex to Africa

Volunteer Award Winners Ben started ‘Sussex to his farm to store all the old and Africa’, in 2007, after unwanted kit, he sorts through the Pam Chandler he visited Zambia and kit himself along with some willing Sussex Disability Football League experienced first-hand volunteers, he also seeks out how donating sports the cheapest possible container shipments to Africa. Pam is an extremely Pam has been a massive support For the past two seasons Pam has kit can change a dedicated volunteer, for the league match days over taken an active role in the league community. The positive impact of ‘Sussex to the past three years, with a representative team, by helping Africa’, can be seen and felt in with a special passion Over the past ten years, it is compassionate yet when needed to organise as well as coach, many places, new football clubs and motivation for estimated that he has sent well firm approach to players and she has also supported the and football leagues have been developing opportunities over 150,000 pieces of kit to coaches. She will always go Sussex County FA with the Talent setup as a result of the arrival of for people with a many different communities in the extra mile to ensure first and Identification Programme. sports kit from Sussex. twelve different African countries. disability to experience, foremost, that players are safe Pam goes about her business Some of the former street children enjoy and achieve in and happy. Ben seeks out the poorest in a quiet yet driven way and who came into the newly started football. communities, working with Behind the scenes, Pam also takes deserves, for her commitment and clubs and teams are now playing trusted local partners, who are Pam is on the committee of the on a number of administrative time, to be put in the spotlight in the South African premier able to deliver effective sports Sussex Disability Football League and support roles, assisting with (even if she may not want to be)! leagues, earning a living by programmes for those who and represents the league at player registrations as well as playing the sport they truly love! otherwise, would never have a Sussex County FA meetings, the tasks involved with being the chance to participate in sport. Ben’s aim is to bring ‘social as well as being a member of League’s Welfare Officer, she is a change through sports’ to even the Sussex County FA Inclusion great advocate of the league. Ben has an efficient and effective Advisory Group. more communities in Africa in the ben van nes model, he has no storage costs as years to come. he dedicates one of the barns on

12 Sussex County FA Football Workforce Awards 13 the FA Groundsman of the Year Award

Groundsman of the Year Award winner Andrew Probee Bosham FC

Andy works tirelessly Andy books in a tractor mower throughout the year to vertidrain and quadraplay on the pitch, in addition the pitch a couple of times in the to supporting his own winter months and oversees landscaping business over-seeding / top dressing renovation, thereby ensuring the and being the club’s surface is flat and has good Player/Manager. grass coverage. The result of his labour, the club The pitch is maintained to an believe, has produced one of the excellent standard throughout the best surfaces in their Division. year - despite Andy being forced The surface has to cope with to work on a tight budget and around fifty games in a season facing all the challenges a public split across men’s first, reserves recreation ground poses via and youth under-16s to 18s teams. external use throughout the year. ANDREW This includes cup fixtures and ten PROBEE to fifteen training sessions in the summer months. Apart from regular maintenance with normal garden tools, Andy has been assisted with grant funding through the County Council’s Big Society and Community Initiative Fund. The funding lead to the purchase of a ride-on mower to help with regular cutting, light rolling and drag matting the pitch.

14 The FA Groundsman of the Year Award 15 sussex county FA Long Service Awards

15 Year Staff Awards Awarded for fifteen years continual service as a staff member to the Sussex County Fa

Ashley Slaughter

Ash joined the County other County FA’s on behalf of FA on 1st July 2002, as a The FA, and providing additional 17-year-old, in the role of Whole Game Support to The FA General Administrator. team. More recently, with the introduction of Player Registration, In 2009, following Nigel William’s Ash has provided support in retirement and a slight restructure, delivering this to Leagues and Ash was appointed as General Clubs as well as giving additional Manager on 1st April 2009. support nationally on behalf Since taking the role the title of The FA. has changed from General Manager to Governance Manager and more recently to Football Services Manager. DARREN FORD In addition to his work at the Sussex County FA, Ash has worked closely with The FA, 10 Year Staff Awards sitting on a number FA Working Awarded for ten years continual service as Committees over the past a staff member to the Sussex County Fa fifteen years. These include the IT Working Group, Technology Engagement Group, Disciplinary darren ford Sub Groups including the introduction of Sin Bins, Full-Time Darren joined the County During Darren’s time with the Working Group and many groups FA on 1st August 2007, as organisation he has launched relating to Whole Game System. an 18-year-old, in the role the Sussex County FA’s official In December 2014, Ash became of Referee Administrator. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, one of five Whole Game System Twitter and YouTube social media Super Users, delivering training to After five years working in the channels plus the implementation refereeing team Darren was of a new website. appointed to his current position as Marketing & Communications Darren also oversaw the rebrand Officer in August 2012. of the Sussex County FA in 2012 which included a refreshed version of the company logo. ASHLEY SLAUGHTER

16 Sussex County FA Long Service Awards 17 sussex county FA Long Service Awards

25 Year Service to Sussex Football Awards Awarded for twenty five years continual service to Sussex football

Tony Monk Bexhill Amateur Athletic Club FC ROY CHESHIRE TONY KYBETT Popular stalwart Tony With the reformation of the Monk has some twenty club following the split from six years association with Bexhill United, Tony was elected 15 Year County Member Bexhill AAC, having joined to manage the side for the Awar ds in 1990 as a player for the 2005/06 season. Sunday 1st XI. He again won the Divisional Cup Awarded for fifteen years continual service as and secured promotion back to Having spent the last of his a county member to the Sussex County FA Division 1, before handing the playing days at Whyteleafe and managerial reigns over and then managing them for two being elected Chairman in 2006, Roy Cheshire Tony Kybett seasons (1981/82 and 1982/83), a role he held through to the end Tony first managed the Bexhill of the 2012/13 season. Since 2002 Roy has served Tony is a current Director AAC Saturday 1st XI in 1992, on all committees of the of the Sussex County FA and again through seasons Tony still continues his Sussex County FA. and also the County 1996 to 2000. involvement with the club, now FA representative to The as President. He is still active as a Referee During those times, he secured and Referee Observer, and he FA Council. promotion for the club in was previously a qualified He achieved Senior Referee consecutive seasons, twice as Referee Instructor. Service as a Class 1 Referee champions, won the Divisional and is also a qualified Cup twice and the Referee Assessor. Veterans Cup, before taking a break from management having seen the Club into the Premier Division. TONY MONK

18 Sussex County FA Long Service Awards 19 Sussex County FA referee Awards

officiating in many places, Adam Holland List of Assistant Referees followed including Stamford Bridge in 2013/2014. Graham refereed (Chelsea) and appointments Adam is a third generation the Sussex County FA Senior in Jersey and America. His Referee, following in the footsteps Cup Final in 2012/13, and also proudest moment was being of his father and grandfather. selected as an Assistant Referee appointed as Assistant Referee He qualified as a Referee when on the FA Trophy Semi-Final to his son Craig, in a match at he was 14 years old. His other Second Leg in 2012/13. Graham Pagham. Unfortunately, Craig interests include basketball and is married to Keely, and they suffered an injury early in the American football. have a daughter, called Imogen, match, and Barry had to take who is four years old and a son over as Referee. As well as Adrian Hudson called George who is one. refereeing, Barry continues to serve as a Referee Advisor and Adrian passed his referee exam Len Lodge Observer, helping with Referee in 1967 at Guildford with the Development. Surrey FA. Registered with Surrey Len is a Referee and FA Licensed FA from 1967-1977. After this, Coach (Level 2). Qualified as Paul Gibson he was with Hampshire FA until a football Coach (for voluntary graham kane 2002, when he then registered work) in 2004, but also felt the Currently a Level 5 Referee, Paul with the Sussex County FA. need to qualify as a Referee. His has officiated on the Southern Having moved to Sussex from favourite games have tended Combination Football League Hampshire in 2002, Adrian has to be those that have been 15 Year Referee Awards and Ryman Youth League, as an enjoyed 15 years on the County / played in the correct spirit of Presented for fifteen years continuous active service Assistant Referee. Paul currently Southern Combination League as the game, ideally between two as a Referee / Assessor / Tutor / Observer officiates on the West Sussex a Level 5 Referee on the senior / well matched teams. He also Football League, and Worthing closed list. He regularly referees enjoys matches at Brighton and and Horsham District Sunday Hove Albion’s training ground, activities to youth football. He on that League as well as various Dan Austin John Burns Football League. Also, as a Level (preferably as an Assistant notes the highlights as being U18, Women’s League’s, and 2 football coach he has coached Referee), as it affords the Dan has been an FA Tutor for John is a Level 5 Senior County appointed Referee for the U16 Cup competitions. Adrian has senior football for Horsham opportunity to keep his fitness 5 years. He has also been an Referee. He has spent many Sussex County FA Cup Final in been honoured with a number of Town U16s along with coaching levels up, and to also see how Academy Referee Coach. Dan is Saturday afternoons as well 2009 and 4th Official in the Les County Finals and appointments special needs teams and mixed well the Albion’s players (male currently a Contributory League as Sunday mornings operating Kempster U13 Final in 2012. He to representative games. gender groups. and female) are progressing. He Referee, and National League on matches in the West of was also fortunate enough to is currently a season ticket holder Panel Select Assistant Referee. the County. work alongside Howard Webb in Graham Kane at the Amex. Len suffered a brain First match officiated was in August 2014 at The Truce Peter Harding haemorrhage in January this year 2002 – Mile Oak 0 v 1 Westfield Gary Bye Tournament in Ypres, Belgium. Graham started refereeing – Sussex County Division Two. First Peter was promoted to Level as a Level 7 in 2000/2001. and hasn’t returned to the game overseas match was 08-09-2007, Gary has been involved in 6 County Referee in March He was promoted in three yet, although he expects to start Jersey 1 v 3 Guernsey. grassroots youth football for Barry Cox 2006. Officiates on the Arun & successive seasons, to Level 6 again in September/October. 19 years in a variety of roles Barry achieved Level 4 status. Youth Football League in 2006/2007, to Level 4 (from Dan lists his most important match and holds a UEFA B Coaching He has served many Football where he also devotes many hours level 6) in 2007/2008, and to date, as the opening match Licence. He now works for The Leagues; including Isthmian, as a Referee Secretary. In addition, then promoted to Level 3 (and at the Amex Stadium on 16-7- Premier League and The FA as an Southern Combination, West he officiates on the Southern National list of Contributory 2011 Brighton & Hove Albion v Affiliate Safeguarding Tutor. Gary Sussex, Worthing, and Horsham Combination Football League. Peter League Referees) in 2008/2009. Borough, the Sussex has committed his refereeing District. Barry has enjoyed has also received Sussex County Further promotion to the National County FA Senior Cup Final. FA Cup Final appointments.

20 sussex county fa Referee Awards 21 Sussex County FA referee Awards

other adult London FA Cup Finals. Paul Rowe refereeing two Sussex County FA He officiated for three seasons on Senior Cup Semi Finals and the the F.A. Women’s Premier League, Paul is married to Julie and 2008-2009 Sussex County FA serving as an Assistant Referee in has two grown up children, Senior Cup Final. He was also a Women’s FA Cup quarter final Charlotte and Craig. He appointed as Assistant Referee along the way. Barry moved to started at Pitch Invasion as a for an U16 International match Sussex in 2002, joining County ball boy, but when a Referee between and USA. Since League, (Southern Combination could not make it he would stepping down as a fully active Football League), where he still step in as he was the oldest! Referee, Irvine has taken up a officiates today as a Level 5 He then decided to become a role as a Coach with the Sussex Referee. Barry has officiated at referee. Paul has achieved Level Senior Referees Development 5 Sussex County FA County Cup 5 status, and referees on the Group and is a Referee Finals in that time. Mid Sussex Football League Observer to assist young up and and various leagues covering coming referees with their career Tim Robinson Women’s football. Paul refereed development. the Women’s FA Cup 5th round Tim started refereeing on the match between Portsmouth Andy Woolgar Chichester & West Sussex Sunday and Manchester City. He also Football League, and moved onto refereed the first v Brighton Andy is married to Valerie and the West Sussex Football League. game in the Women’s Southern is currently a Level 6 County He was promoted to Level 4 Division. Paul looks forward to the Referee, following his promotion tim robinson status in 2005, and with further Mid Sussex League this season as in 2004. His refereeing career promotion to Level 3 in 2007. there is a sin bin, which will bring to date has been devoted to Tim was invited on to the Football new challenges. grassroots football. He continues League as an Assistant Referee in to proudly serve both the Mid Garry Lucas Sussex Sunday Youth Leagues. 2008. Tim’s elevation continued to Mark Waller Sussex Football League and East Also, Garry referees school Level 2 in 2010. In 2012, Tim was Sussex Football League; and is games and universities. He has Garry loved playing football rewarded with his Level 1 status, Mark has officiated for 15 years well known and respected on refereed / officiated at several and knew he was getting near and refereed his first Football in the West Sussex Football the circuit. Cup Finals along the way; one the end of his playing time, so League match at Southend League. In addition to this, of the first times was at ’s decided to take the referees United. In 2016 Tim was selected he officiated 12 years in the ground. Looking back, in his own course. So far he has refereed as Fourth Official for the League Chichester & West Sussex Sunday words, ‘he wished he had started in the West Sussex Football Two Play Off Final at Wembley League. Mark is a Level 6 earlier when he was fit!’ League, Horsham and District between AFC Wimbledon and Referee and is proud to continue Youth Football League and the Plymouth Argyle FC. After this, he serving grassroots football. Gatwick League in mid-week. Barry Myers achieved his professional status These are all Leagues he had as one of the 18 full time referees Irvine Woodward played in when he was younger. Barry qualified as a Class 3 with that made up the group of Select At Eastbourne he refereed in the the London FA in March 1986, Group 2 who now officiate on Irvine’s career now spans 35 Football League and joining the West Fulham Sunday the EFL Championship. Tim was years. He initially registered with once he became a Level 6 and League where he was later to a member of the Sussex County Sussex County F.A. in 2002 while then Level 5, he refereed on the become Referees Secretary from FA Referees Academy, and later serving as a Level 2 Referee and Ryman Youth League and also 1994-2002. Promotion to Class returned to become Head Coach National List Assistant Referee, Sussex County Football League. 1 status followed in 1997. Barry of, as it is now known, Referees remaining on the list until 2009. Now referees on the Southern officiated on the 1998 London FA Primary Development Group. High profile appointments include: Combination, East Sussex and the Senior Cup Final as well as two

22 sussex county fa Referee Awards 23 Sussex County FA Representative Squad Awards

ian browne, paul atkinson & tom atkinson

South East Counties Youth Championship Winners Under-18s Representative Squad

The Sussex County FA It was also a good campaign for Overall, it was a great season under-18s Representative the side in the FA County Youth for the squad keeping their two Squad won the South Cup, starting in Round 2 with a year unbeaten run in the League East Counties Youth 3-1 win at Somerset FA, followed competition going. The players Championship for the by Round 3’s victory 2-1 away at have developed and move on Essex FA. in their careers as stronger, better second successive and more experienced players, season in another The Quarter Final draw pitted with some being taken on unbeaten campaign. Sussex away at Cornwall FA by professional clubs during meaning a long trip down to the season. Sussex didn’t have to kick a ball to St Blazey. A defeat on the pick up their first three points, with day prevented the team from the match vs. Kent FA awarded emulating their FA Youth Cup to the eventual champions. Final appearance the previous Other victories came against the season, none the less it was a London FA 5-0, Amateur FA 3-1 good campaign for the boys, and finally 2-0 against the newly and a valiant effort in the FA crowned FA County Youth Cup Competition. champions Middlesex FA, securing the title for squad.

24 Sussex County FA Representative Squad Awards 25 the FA National Youth Futsal Festival

Under-10s Winners AS Eastbourne FC

The young AS Eastbourne The National Finals weekend players started their was a great showcase for Futsal Futsal journey winning and the standard continues to the Sussex County FA improve each year. AS Eastbourne Youth Futsal Festival at progressed from their group and then saw off the Football First the K2 in Crawley back in Academy in the Semi-Final, before April. Teams played in a defeating Wirral All Stars in the Final round robin competition to be crowned The FA National with the winning team Youth Futsal Festival champions! for each age group progressing to the South East Regional Festival held at The Triangle, Burgess Hill in May. County champions from across the South East region competed against each other at the Festival. All of the matches were very closely contested with little to separate the sides. However, Sussex clubs fared well on home soil with AS Eastbourne under- 10s winning their age group once again, meaning they were invited to participate in The FA National Youth Futsal Festival Finals at the Futsal Centre in Birmingham in June.

26 The FA National Youth Futsal Festival 27 the FA Community Shield Distribution Fund

recipients of a £2,500 Grant Brighton Lesbian and Gay Sports Society (BLAGSS)

BLAGSS have two teams, BLAGSS men are now aiming to to Brighton Pride. It is anticipated men’s and women’s. join a league to play matches that the funds will also stretch to Since the creation of on a weekly basis. The money help run the tournament for LGBT the two teams, they awarded from this fund, will help teams from across the country, have been regularly BLAGSS to establish as an 11v11 some of whom travel considerable team to compete in the league, as distance to play in the event. It will playing and training, well as developing their ongoing provide much needed funds to including national training, and ensuring that they work to increase the competition. and international are there for members of the LGBT tournaments and Community who want to play The grant should give BLAGSS the twice annual football, both male, female and the boost they need to make sure match against the transgender participants. they sustain their men’s side, and can think of applying to enter the Sussex County FA for BLAGSS and the Sussex County women’s team into a league in Football.v.Homophobia. FA also work in partnership to run the future. a Pride Sports Tournament linked

Chestnut Tree House official football team

Chestnut Tree House is the To help raise vital funds, Jamie children’s hospice for Westley set up the team in 2015. East and West Sussex, Since then, the side has gone on Brighton and Hove and to raise over £20,000 to support South East Hampshire and the hospice. cares for three hundred The grant will assist with the costs children and young associated with staging the charity adults from 0-19 years of matches against celebrity teams age with progressive life- (venue hire etc.), meaning more of shortening conditions. the total amount raised from the events can go towards supporting Chestnut Tree House.

28 The FA Community Shield Distribution Fund 29 the fa & Sussex County FA referee Awards

Laurence Hinge Mike Hunsworth Barry Towner Larry is married to Jean. Having Mike was last promoted in 1996, Barry qualified as a referee on been the ‘club linesman’ for his to Level 6, County Referee. Mike November 17th 1991. He was son’s team for numerous years has served on; the Mid Sussex able to progress to a higher at Jarvis Brook Juniors, Larry Football League from 1992 to level in consecutive seasons, was ‘press ganged’ into doing date, the Mid Sussex Youth and from Level-7 to Level-5. Barry the refereeing course at the Minor League from 1992–1998, was privileged to referee many age of 39. His first match was the Sussex County Football games which included at least ten a 16.00 KO at Felbridge in the League 1993–1997, and the Cup Finals as a Referee and an Mid Sussex Football League. Gatwick Airport Football League Assistant Referee. During his time During the course of 25 years, he 2003–2008. Mike continues to as a Referee, he was fortunate progressed from Level 7 to Level be a fantastic servant of Sussex enough to be awarded Referee 5 Senior County Referee and grassroots football. of the Year by his local society has officiated on the Southern on three occasions. Barry then Combination Football League, as decided at a later time in his well as the Mid Sussex League. Neal Saxton refereeing career to become a Larry has also officiated on the qualified Assessor. He was able Islington Midweek League, which Neal, or ‘Barnsley’, as he is to carry out these duties for two being in inner London, brought a affectionately known, was or three years. Barry still referees different approach to refereeing a licenced Level 2 Referee in his local League, this being the and match control! Instructor. He was the first old Hastings & East Sussex League. Robin Deaney Class 2 Referee to be sent on Highlight of his career was when 25 Year Referee Awards the Instructor’s Course at Lincoln he refereed a charity football Robin took his referees exam Trevor Hoath and passed. Neil has refereed match between an Arsenal select Presented for twenty five years continuous active in 1991 and joined the High in the F.A Cup, F.A Youth Cup, 11 which was made up of ex- service as a Referee / Assessor / Tutor / Observer Wycombe & District Referees Trevor started refereeing at the F.A Women’s Cup, and F.A football stars and TV Personalities, Society. Robin started by age of 33 following 16 years Sunday Cup. Neal was last they played against Eastbourne Paul Bezance Chris Bridges officiating at junior level games, of active football in the East promoted to Level 5, Senior United in front of 1500 spectators. club and tournament competitions Sussex Saturday and Sunday County Referee, in 1998. He has It has become more difficult over Paul was promoted to Level 6 Chris qualified in July 1992 and and progressing to senior games, Leagues. Trevor’s wish was to covered the Southern League, the last few years for Barry to County Referee in 1998. Served was promoted to Level 5 Senior as and when running the line. He achieve the Level of Class 1 Southern Combination, West be able to officiate on a regular grassroots football well; in County Referee, in 2004. He was also involved in playing on status before his 40th birthday, Sussex, Sussex Sunday, and basis due to his illness, particular the Crowborough & currently officiates on the West Saturdays, managing on Sundays, which he did. He refereed on the Steyning Sunday Leagues; also (Crohns-Disease), but this does District Junior Football League, Sussex Football League and the training Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sussex County League Divisions County Representative games not stop him from officiating Rother & District Youth Football Southern Combination Football and attending games. When at 1 & 2, (Southern Combination at Surrey and Devon. Neal has most weekends. League and Sussex Sunday Youth Leagues. Chris is a keen voluntary Bisham Abbey on a coaching Football League) for a couple of the distinction of refereeing all Football League. In his passion to football administrator, devoting course, Robin was invited to be years. Balancing family and work Sussex County FA Junior and get to games, Paul has covered many hours a week, to ensure an official in an England U21’s meant his football commitments Intermediate Cups, and had many miles on his bicycle! league business runs smoothly. He game. Having gone to live and became less and he enjoyed the pleasure of being Assistant has been General Secretary of work at Cambridge University more occasional duties in the Referee at Brighton v Barnsley the West Sussex Football League for 13 years, he joined the local East Sussex Football League and U20’s. He is also a referee since 2006 and Fixtures Secretary Referees Society. Robin and his Southern Combination Football Observer and Mentor. since 2003. wife Rosemary then came to League Reserve Section. Horsham where he joined the Sussex County FA. 30 the fa & sussex county fa referee awards 31 Sussex County FA referee Awards

35 Year Referee Awards Presented for thirty five years continuous active service as a Referee / Assessor / Tutor / Observer

Nigel Bullen memorable games: Brighton v (Sussex County Football League) Bristol Rovers U18s, and a friendly since 1990. Personal injury has Nigel qualified in October 1981 between Crystal Palace and also caused problems for James in Crawley aged 15 and Ray Malmo (Sweden) U18s. over the years, but thankfully he Upton trained him. Refereed has the habit of coming back, Youth Football and then lined year after year. on the Sussex County Football Keith Holland League in 1983. Highest level achieved was Level 4 for one Keith followed in the footsteps John Wilkins season 2005/2006, and also of his father and uncle. He ran the line at v qualified as a referee at 16 years In his younger days, John was an Basingstoke in 3rd qualifying of age and received the old official in the Diadora League round of FA Cup 2005. In the Class 1 grading when he was (now the Bostick League) as well same year, Nigel refereed in the 19 years old. Currently a Level as the Suburban League, and the first round of the FA Vase at VCD 5 Senior County Referee, Keith now defunct SE Counties League Athletic in Southampton. Nigel officiates on the West Sussex which was the Youth League then served as Chairman of Crawley Football League and the Arun & for the likes of Brighton, Chelsea, Referees Association. Nigel is still Chichester Sunday Youth League. Crystal Palace etc. In 2008 he active as a Level 5 Senior County was a regular columnist for the Referee officiating on the Isthmian Non-League Paper doing articles Youth, Mid Sussex and Southern Dick Milton on refereeing (warts and all!) and Combination Football Leagues. a series visiting clubs with regards Dick was promoted to Level 4 to the ‘Respect’ Campaign. Supply League Referee in 1986. In John is a Level 5 Senior County Andrew Hale a long career, Dick has officiated Referee, and this award tonight in numerous F.A Appointments, and is somewhat timely as John has Andrew passed his exam in also many Sussex County FA Cup his 62nd birthday in 48 hours’ Surrey October 1981, reaching Finals. He now puts his experience time (on 23rd September). Class 1 (new money Level 5) to good use, working as a Referee Happy Birthday John, from the and refereed on Sussex County Developer. Dick is a very popular Refereeing Family! Senior List, and is a member of figure in refereeing circles. Mid Sussex RA. His appointments include from a list of many: Sussex David Winter County League, FA Cup, Vase James Slaney and Youth Cup games, Mid Dave was promoted to Level 5 James is married to Wendy, Senior County Referee in 1997. Sussex and West Sussex Leagues. and is currently a Level 5 Senior Plum Appointments include: He is a member of Worthing County Referee. He was a Level Referees Association. Dave has Sussex County FA U15 Cup Final, 4 Referee for 8 consecutive years Sussex County FA RUR Semi Finals served on many Sussex Leagues, from 2004-2012. James has including Southern Combination and various League Semi-Final also officiated on the Southern and Final appointments. Other Football League and received Combination Football League many FA Appointments.

32 sussex county fa referee awards 33 The FA Community Awards presented by McDonald’s

Young Volunteer of the Year Award Winner Luke Kavanagh-Deeprose 1066 Specials FC County Winner

Luke has been an assistant Luke is particularly good with Luke quietly encourages, supports, coach to the junior players children who need one on one has fun and builds confidence at 1066 Specials (a club for coaching, where his patience and and friendships for these young children and adults with understanding comes from having people who, like him, face many disabilities) for over four difficulties himself and he ensures no challenges in their everyday life. child is ever made to feel left out. years; he also plays for the club. He has helped players who could not follow any instructions and just Despite his own social anxiety, Luke ran around doing their own thing, successfully completed his 1st4Sport to become players who form a FA Level 1 Coaching Football valuable part of a team, and can Course, and has been reliable follow simple instructions further and consistent in his approach to enhancing their enjoyment being coaching the junior players. part of the club.

34 The FA Community Awards PRESENTED BY McDonald’s 35 The FA Community Awards presented by McDonald’s

Charter Standard Club of the Year Award Winner Ashurst Wood Junior County Winner

Over the last two years The club has spent a lot of the redeveloped club time and effort making sure committee and coaches safeguarding is at the centre have worked hard to save of the club’s ethos by replacing Ashurst Wood Junior from respect barriers, educating about how to safeguard children folding due to a large and communicating the code of financial deficit. conduct to parents. The club developed a new Over a short period of time the Coach of the Year Award under-6s and under-7s team in committee and team have turned 2015-16, where the under-7s field Ashurst Wood Junior from a Winner two teams in the local league poorly run club to an enthusiastic and the under-6s encourage new forward thinking and professionally Kevin Smith Hastings Athletic FC footballers to have fun. run club. County Winner The club has recently applied for a grant to develop the clubs first ever girls’ team, and is supporting Kevin took over from Every Wednesday night he sits for their first ever under-16s team hours working out the best training the previous coach seven going into next season, to help for the boys in order to keep them years ago with only bridge the gap into adult football. general knowledge of the interested but also to train them game. He went on to pay correctly. He ensures everything is Running Easter and Summer current and up-to-date within the holiday training sessions, enables for every course himself, club and football league. non-members to give football a go and currently has 1st4Sport and provides keen club members Kevin has brought a lot to the club, FA Level 2 Coaching to carry on developing. Certificate, FA Goalkeeping not just knowledge, patience and Level 1 Coaching Award understanding, but the attitude Over the last two years the and FA Youth Award that every child needs to grow club has worked to double their up with. coaching squad, putting them on Modules 1 and 2. 1st4Sport FA Level 1 Coaching Kevin believes strongly that every The club is in financial difficulties Courses, and supporting a few to child has the right to play football but Kevin will not see the team go move through their 1st4Sport FA and he will welcome anyone. It can without. He works full-time leaving Level 2 Coaching and FA Level 1 be tough training under-19s boys, at 4:30am and doesn’t get home Goalkeeping courses. but he has the utmost respect from until 7:00pm, but still continues to the team and the club. train the boys.

36 The FA Community Awards PRESENTED BY McDonald’s 37 The FA Community Awards presented by McDonald’s

Charter Standard Community Club of the Year Award Winner Steyning Town Community FC County Winner

Steyning Strikers and The more experienced coaches Steyning Town came at the club are making guest together a few years ago appearances at younger age to form one Charter groups attending a series of Standard Community sessions to help spread their knowledge and ability. The club Football Club. have a number of the under-16 Since then they have run some players attending training with the fantastic social events and seniors and also have under-15s tournaments, cleared nearly and under-16s attending the £30,000 of debt and seen the under-18s training sessions. installation of a fantastic new 3G facility at the Shooting Field Charter Standard ground which benefits the whole community. Development Club of the Core to the clubs beliefs is that Year Award Winner better coaches make for better players, and the club have invested heavily in coach development over Uckfield Grasshoppers Junior FC the last few years. County Winner

Uckfield Grasshoppers The club was instrumental in The club also support coaches achieved Charter Standard supporting the application for with the introduction of the FA Award accreditation the development of a new 3G Mentoring Scheme, and youth in 2008 with a total of pitch where they formed strong players are introduced to the Young thirteen teams. They are links and relationship with Uckfield Leaders Scheme and Futsal. Community College. now a Development club The club is going from strength and cater for both boys All the teams have a fully qualified to strength, by developing their and girls with twenty coach with 1st4Sport FA Level 1 football ethos whilst engaging more one teams from under-8s Coaching, Emergency Aid and with their local community.. through to under-16s. Safeguarding Children Certificates plus FA CRCs.

38 The FA Community Awards PRESENTED BY McDonald’s 39 The FA Community Awards presented by McDonald’s

Best Inclusive Project Award Winner Crawley Old Girls (COGs) County Winner

Crawley Old Girls focuses on the ‘generation that football missed’ and has led to over forty women taking part in Thursday football sessions. The sessions proved to be so popular that the Crawley Town Community Foundation started up a new beginners’ session for ladies who want to learn to play football. This new session has also been a great success, bringing in more Charter Standard League ladies and the knock on effect, as well as hard work from everyone of the Year Award Winner involved to spread the word, has led to other EFL Clubs taking on sessions for “old girls” and a first Horsham and District Youth ever over-30s tournament was Football League held by the EFL Trust, last July. County Winner Not only are the COGs sessions coaching ladies to play football, The Horsham & District The league provides football they are also giving the ladies Youth Football League competitions for 8 to 10-year- self-confidence, health benefits and works tirelessly to bring olds in a Champions’ League increased fitness, which they might Saturday morning type format which has been well not have otherwise had. football to both boys and received by member clubs. girls within the area. The league has a strong committee of dedicated people who work This season, in-line with The FA’s voluntarily and without them the strategy to increase the number of league would simply not function. girls participating in football, the league has introduced girls only teams being able to affiliate to play in the league.

40 The FA Community Awards PRESENTED BY McDonald’s 41 The FA Community Awards presented by McDonald’s

Outstanding Contribution to Community Football Award Winner Les Kempster Sussex County FA President County & South East Regional Winner

Les Kempster is the He was a member of the current President of Sussex County Youth FA until it Sussex County FA and merged with the Sussex County Chairman of The Mid FA in the 1990s. Since then he has Sussex Youth and Minor been a County Member and now President. Football League in Sussex, a voluntary position Les rarely misses Representative and his contribution to Squad matches or County Cup local sport is befitting Finals, and until recently recorded of a lifelong all of the Youth Cup Match results. achievement award. Les is a spritely 93 years young Les came to Crawley shortly after and as League Chairman attends World War II, and played football all the committee meetings taking for Three Bridges. Following an active role in directing the retirement he became a referee League and its activities, adding and was referring until his late wisdom and experience to new sixties, he was also involved in football initiatives. training new referees as a Referee He has attended all the League Assessor and Examiner. Cup and Plate finals from under-9s Les’ passion is youth football, to under-19s as the Chairman and he began volunteering in Guest of Honour, being introduced grassroots football in 1964 and to every player on the pitch prior has held a number of different to kick-off. roles and positions in football, Les is nominated for over fifty years too numerous to list. of committed, dedicated hard work in Sussex football providing thousands of young players with the chance to experience the beautiful game.

les kempster

42 The FA Community Awards PRESENTED BY McDonald’s 43 the fa referee Awards

For a new 40 Year Referee Awards Presented for forty years continuous active service as in game a Referee / Assessor / Tutor / Observer Steve Weller

Steve reached Class 1 As well as being a Level 5 Senior experience and was last promoted County Referee, Steve has in 1998. He refereed been involved as a Referee and “Becoming a referee was the last on the Sussex County Manager in Women’s Football thing I imagined doing, it has been Football League for over since the 1980s. Steve has always been approachable and helpful to 20 years, also serving a revelation for me, I had no idea colleagues, long may it continue! how much I would enjoy it...” on the Sussex County Ian Simpemba - Eastbourne Borough FC League Match Officials Committee for 15 years, Visit: SussexFA.com/referees and has been Chairperson for last 3 years.

44 the fa referee awards 45 The Referees’ Association Awar ds

Long and Meritorious Service Award Awarded where a member has given not less than twenty years of meritorious service in office

Doug Austen-Jones

Last October, Doug In making the award Vince observed Austen-Jones received that Doug had also been honoured the Referees’ Association by the County RA, serving as (RA) Long and Meritorious President in 1994/5 and being Service Award from awarded the President’s Shield in 2014. He also received the RA 50 RA Board member year membership award in 2008. Vince Penfold. Clearly Doug has epitomised the Doug received this prestigious RA motto: ‘Service before Self’. award for his twenty years exceptional service to The RA as a Local Society Officer for Mid-Sussex over a period of many years. During doug austen-jones this period he served as Society Treasurer, Vice Chairman (twice), Chairman, Secretary and Delegate to the Sussex County RA Committee. His stalwart service has proved invaluable and without it Mid-Sussex would not have been able to serve its members to such high standards.

46 The Referees’ Association Awards 47 The FA Long Service Awards

david nessling (right)

50 Year Service to Football Awards

Awarded for fifty years service to football lawrie parsons

David Nessling Lawrie Parsons

David is well known and current Director - showing Lawrie’s connection with From 1975 Lawrie has dedicated At present Lawrie is the treasurer in both Sussex and how highly valued he is by those football began in 1956 over forty years to the Mid Sussex of the Sussex Disability Football national football circles involved with the club. as a player for Plumpton Football League in various roles. League, a role he has held He was awarded life membership since 2015. having been involved in David also served as a Director at Athletic FC. administrative and business of the league and still currently Crawley Town from 1998 to 2000 He played for the club for holds the position of President Lawrie’s dedication and passion aspects of football for and at Eastbourne Borough from almost twenty years, hanging and Treasurer. for football is shown through the many years. 2000 till 2010. up his boots in 1974. At that years of dedication in football and In addition to all this, for the last its administration. It is inspiring that It all started for David as a player As a Director of the Southern time he’d already served as a club Committee Member twelve years he has also served as somebody so dedicated is still in 1963 till 1985 playing in the Football League from 1993 till a member of the Sussex County FA, involved and pushing grassroots UK and during a spell in Australia. 2005 David covered a wide range for seventeen years and he continued in that position till later becoming a Board Member football forward! He continued his involvement in of duties and served many roles from 2014 till 2016. Following this football after his playing days throughout his tenure. He was also 1985, also acting as Treasurer since 1961. Overall Lawrie he was made an honorary Vice first as Treasurer and then as Vice a Director of the Sussex County FA President of the organisation. Chairman of Hastings Town, now from 2006 to 2015. served Plumpton Athletic for Hastings United. almost thirty years. Currently David is a member of the He dedicated countless hours to Sussex County FA and has been Hastings Untied and served as since 2004, he is also a member of Vhairman from 1988 till 1998, the Southern Combination Football before becoming a Life Member League, a position held since 2013.

48 The FA Long Service Awards 49 OfficialOfficial PhotographerPhotographer to to the the Sussex Sussex County County FA FA

AllAll photographsphotographs from from this this eventevent are are available available to to purchasepurchase i nin a a selection selection of of differentdifferent sizes sizes and and formats. formats.

Tel: 07747 036956 Email: [email protected] Tel: 07747 036956 Email: [email protected] www.simonroephotography.co.uk sussex county fa Culver Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9AX

telephone: +44 (0)1903 753547 email: [email protected] visit: www.sussexfa.com

Programme design by fiona FORD printed by empire printworks: www.empireprintworks.co.uk