Sharks honoured at Surrey FA Awards Night
Club Secretary Paul Judge - Volunteer of the Year
Elstead Sharks were honoured on Wednesday 24th August at the Surrey FA Awards Night, when Club Secretary Paul Judge was awarded the Grassroots Volunteer of the Year.
In a lavish ceremony, attended by the bigwigs of Surrey Football, ex-players and the Chairman of the FA, Paul was presented with his coveted award by ex-player and football pundit Mark Bright.
"It was an honour just to be nominated for the award, let alone win it out of approximately 4,000 Grassroots Clubs in Surrey," said Paul. "This is indeed a reflection of all the hard work that the Committee has put in over the years to grow the Club from a bunch of lads and dads, some 16 years ago, to the 250 players we have now in both the boys and girls games. I would personally like to thank Club Development Officer Jackie Bisley for all the hard work she has put into the development of the Club and ex-Chair Peter O'Donnell for the vision and leadership in my early years as Club Secretary. And of course it goes without saying the biggest thank you has to be to all our volunteer coaches and managers who donate so much of their time to ensure we have a safe and fun space for as many kids as possible to enjoy this beautiful game"
The citation reads as follows:
" Paul has multiple roles in grassroots football; one is Secretary for Elstead Sharks and the other is Discipline Officer for the South Surrey Youth Football League. Paul is the heart of Elstead Sharks, his work there includes organising the coaches, managing registrations, fielding enquiries from new players, organising kit, arranging sponsorship and so much more. Paul has unrivalled energy and passion that drives him to give hours of time both on and off the pitch. He is the heart of the Club and without him the Club would struggle. At the start of the season the Club Chairman had to step away and Paul seamlessly stepped in to cover the extra responsibilities without complaint. He is the first person that people would go to if they needed any football related help or advice and is the connection between the Club and the local community. In his role as Discipline Officer for South Surrey Football League, Paul supports the League to manage match day issues and improve the experience for all involved. He is more than deserving of the award of Volunteer of the Year."
