The recipients of the FA’s Football Workforce Award are Paul Aubert (Grouville), Charlie Browne (St Paul’s), Bob McBride (First Tower), Tony Parkinson (Rozel Rovers) and Will Partington (Grouville).The annual awards are instigated by the FA and run in conjunction with the Jersey Football Association.
The quintet are all heavily involved in development in the community.Charlie Tostevin, president of the JFA, said: ‘It’s important we recognise the significant contribution made by volunteers who work so hard for their clubs and for football in general.
These dedicated volunteers give up their free time in order to provide opportunities for the benefit of others.’Five have been singled out, but many, many more put in a lot of work behind the scenes.
The progress made by development initiatives in Jersey over the past three seasons has been superb, but without a volunteer workforce this could not happen.’Brian Oliver, JFA Football Development Officer, said: ‘The initiatives these volunteers are all involved in can only have a positive influence on young people.
Youngsters learn not only how to improve their skills but also about teamwork, good behaviour, self-discipline and the benefit of a positive attitude.Paul Aubert helps Grouville’s four youth teams as well as being the club’s school liaison officer and child protection designated person.
He also assists with minis and helps on the gate when required.Charlie Browne, a qualified referee, is St Paul’s secretary and assistant coach to the U16s.
He helped the Saints gain Charter Standard Development Club status and for the last two seasons has played a major part in the production of a three-year development plan and the club’s website.
He also assists with the club’s community project.Bob McBride has been recognised for the work he has put in developing the girls section, under-12 and under-14s, at First Tower.
They now play regularly in festivals.Tony Parkinson is a dedicated coach at Rozel Rovers where he manages and coaches under-12, under-14 and under-16 teams.
He also coaches the Year-9 group at the JFA’s Centre of Excellence.
He, too, was heavily involved in the application process and development plan to assist Rozel gain FA Charter Standard Development Club status.
He is currently working towards a Level 3 Certificate in coaching.Grouville’s Will Partington has been working with players with learning difficulties.
He also assists weekly sessions for up to 14 seniors at Maufant Youth Club.
Last season he worked with U10s and U12s boys groups at Grouville, next season he’s in charge of the U16s.
He too is working toward a Level 3 Certificate.All five volunteers received framed certificates and a gift from the Football Association.The JFA have also announced their Charter Standard Club Awards winners for 2003.Grouville have won the Club Award for continuing to grow and provide football for boys at five age levels and providing opportunities for children at Grouville and Le Rocquier Schools.The Development Club Status Award has gone to St Paul’s.
They have a comprehensive development plan written for the next three years while also successfully forming U12 and U14s girls teams together with establishing a community programme for parish youngsters.
Mini soccer opportunities have increased while football is provided for ten teams.Jersey Wanderers have taken the coaching and administrator awards.
Clive Richardson continues to do copious amounts of coaching work while administrator Bob Lawrence continues to co-ordinate the strategic development plan and administrating Wanderers’ website.
