Local Volunteer Named FA Women and Girls Unsung Hero
Nottinghamshire Volunteer Gerry Ward scoops the FA Women's and Girls' Football Participation Unsung Hero Award
The FA Women’s and Girls’ Football Participation Awards recognise the achievements of clubs, players, staff and the important work by volunteers at the grassroots level of the game. Two winners were selected for each category.
And the winners from each award received surprise video calls from the famous faces to let them know the news and to thank them for their hard work and dedication in growing women’s and girls’ football participation.
The Unsung Hero Award
Gerry Ward: A volunteer at Gedling Southbank FC and key worker on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gerry led the club and its 34 teams return to football. Gerry also arranges fixtures for the Notts Girls and Ladies League ensuring 2000 players can play football each week, he coaches the club’s U18s and is the referee and the secretary of the Referee's Association.
Elaine Oram (Chief Executive Officer, Nottinghamshire FA) had this to say;
‘Nottinghamshire County Football Association is delighted that Gerry has been recognised nationally for all that he contributes to local football. He works tirelessly in so many areas of the game, for his club, the league and referees and the title of Unsung Hero is richly deserved. To achieve this whilst also balancing his invaluable role with the NHS particularly in these exceptional times is incredible and speaks volumes for Gerry’s commitment to grassroots football. Congratulations and thank you for all that you do.’