SOMERSET Football Association recognised the hard work of a range of volunteers, clubs and leagues across the county at its annual County Awards Evening, held last Thursday at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton.

There were around 120 people in attendance, and awards were presented within 17 different categories.

Award winners included the Weston-super-Mare & District League (Grassroots League of the Year) and the Taunton & District Youth League ('We Only Do Positive' Respect Award), while Chard's Craig Board received the Grassroots Match Official of the Year award for his dedication to refereeing in the county.

Wellington Disability FC celebrated a successful end to a year full of progress, winning the Disability Club of the Year award.

Mark Vickers, Ian Smith and Ian Harley - the referee appointment officers in Taunton, Weston-super-Mare and Yeovil, respectively - shared the grassroots recognition award.

FA 40 Year Services recognition was given to Bob Moore (Yatton), Alan Cumner (Weston-super-Mare), Dave Brammer (Banwell) and David Madgett (Shepton Mallet).

Finally, Bishops Lydeard AFC's Julie Bowker was recognised for her huge contribution to local football - particularly for women's and girls teams - with the Services to Football award, which also went to Rob Hooper (Weston-super-Mare & District League), Jerry Colbourne (Westfield FC) and Graham Clarke (Somerset Schools FA and Somerset FA).

Somerset FA chief executive Jon Pike said: "One of the most pleasurable part of working for Somerset FA is being able to recognise and reward volunteers in the grassroots game in the county.

"I am delighted that tonight we have acknowledged their amazing efforts for football and congratulate them on their achievement.

"Every year the standard of our winners seems to get higher, which in itself is a great testament to our grassroots volunteer workforce.

"Those volunteers, who give of their time and effort freely, are the greatest strength of the game in Somerset.

"We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented group, and that doesn’t just include those we have recognised tonight, but all of our volunteers across the county.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank every one of them all for they do."