The Hatters were delighted to host the Bedfordshire FA's 2018 Grass-Roots Football Awards in the Eric Morecambe Lounge last night.
The first winner listed needs no introduction to his fellow Hatters, and on behalf of all at Kenilworth Road, we'd like to congratulate Nicky Toone on his supporter of the year award (we're all proud of you Nick!) and all the other individual and club winners were introduced to the crowd last night at half-time. We hope you all enjoyed your evening!
Supporter of the Year
Nicky Toone – Luton Town FC
Avid LTFC fan, Nicky is well known to the players and staff, always brightening
up the training ground. He's represented the squad himself playing in the county
disability league for LTFC community trust.
Community Project of the Year
Woburn & Wavendon FC 'Goalability'
The club have recently setup and delivered a disability football session for children up to 16 in their local community.
C.S. League of the Year
Chiltern Youth League
The league have been forward thinking and fully embrace technological advances in the modern world to benefit local children playing football.
C.S. Club of the Year
Bromham Youth AFC
The club continue to grow and develop having recently been awarded Charter Standard Community Status and deliver SSE Wildcats Centre for girls to
get into the game.
Match Official of the Year
Chris Parperi
Chris has demonstrated the ability to communicate effectively before, during and after games in a variety of environments for the benefit of a good game of football.
Young Volunteer of the Year
Tyler Dunnell – Dunstable Town FC
This young man is extraordinary because he has been coaching since the age of 12 and now five years on, he is managing Dunstable Town's U18 team.
The Respect Award
Chris Murray – Stotfold Juniors FC
Chris has been instrumental in the development and growth of Stotfold Juniors FC. The size of the club has doubled under Chris' control to around 50 teams.
Volunteer of the Year
Melvyn Gazeley – Flitwick Eagles
Melvyn founded the club in 1986 and it has flourished ever since. Recently he has been instrumental in the utilisation of Flitwick Football Centre for the benefit of the local community.
Coach of the Year
Dave Dixon – Toddington Rovers
Dave has been a fantastic role model within his club, having demonstrated great enthusiasm for coaching and utilising his knowledge to ensure his players have fun and continue to develop.
Grounds Team of the Year
Dave Smith – Dunstable Town Council
Ken McGarigle is collecting the award on behalf of Dave Smith who heads up the team that includes Lee Bowley, Simon Hump & Rob Scott. Together the fab 5 manage the fantastic community football facility at Creasey Park in Dunstable.
Beds FA & National Groundsman of the Year
Wes Matthews
Groundsman at Step 7 club Elstow Abbey who keeps 'The Warren' pitch in pristine condition. Crowned National Groundsman of the Year 2018 with a trip to St George's Park whilst having professional club groundsmen visit his pitch who
were really impressed with Wes' innovative handmade equipment.
Well done all!