THE Gloucestershire County Football League has been named winner of Gloucestershire CFA’s Charter Standard League of the Year.

At the county’s annual awards ceremony for the 2014 FA Community Awards presented by McDonald’s, County League representative Mark Simpson received the award from Gloucestershire FA chairman Roger Burden thanks to their ongoing commitment to providing grassroots football to the local community.

Set up 46 years ago, the Gloucestershire County Football League caters to 17 teams and is currently in the 11th tier of the football pyramid.

The league has been rewarded for their unique Respect Program that they run throughout the entire season.

With the aim of reducing dissent amongst teams, financial rewards are given to teams who gain the lowest amount of yellow and red cards for these types of offences.

The league also support clubs in helping to improve the standard of coaching and have organised a number of coaching courses throughout the year.

Now in their fifth year, The FA Community Awards recognise and celebrate the grassroots volunteers, clubs and leagues in counties across England, who dedicate their time to grassroots football in their local community.

As winner of the county award, the County League will be automatically shortlisted for the regional awards and is now in with a chance of winning the award in the South West.

If selected, they will qualify for the national shortlist with the winners being announced at a ceremony at Wembley on Sunday, August 10.

McDonald’s director of football Sir Geoff Hurst, said: “We are fortunate that we have so many incredible volunteers up and down the country dedicating their free time to providing young footballers with an opportunity to play the game.

"The awards are a great way to say thank you to so many that spend their time maintaining the pitches, washing the kit and coaching youngsters in a fun and safe environment.

"If it wasn’t for them then the game simply wouldn’t exist. The Gloucestershire County Football League provides countless hours of football to the community and they truly deserve the recognition.

"I wish them the best of luck for the upcoming regional awards.”