DEDICATED servants of local football in Gloucestershire and Bristol can be cast into the spotlight once more this summer.

As with other county associations across the country, Gloucestershire FA (GFA) are inviting applications for their popular annual FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards which celebrate the work and achievements of volunteers who make the local game tick.

The nomination window is open until May 10 and available to anyone wishing to put forward names of individuals, clubs and leagues they feel are deserving of awards.

With so much activity prevalent on the pitches and behind the scenes at clubs and organisations across the region over the past few months, the GFA are gearing up for possibly their “biggest and best” awards ceremony yet.

Marketing and communications officer Nathan Marland said: “We’re celebrating people, clubs and leagues who make a positive difference across our communities.

“It is a chance to highlight and acknowledge all the hard work that goes into the grassroots game and say a big thank-you to the incredible volunteers who inspire us to make football better for all.

“We’re hoping to make it our biggest awards ceremony yet and for that to happen we’re keen to attract as many applications as possible.”

Of the options available, Nathan confirmed: “The categories for this year’s awards are chosen to reflect the diversity of our football communities and the positive impact football has on them. We’re looking for people who make these values part of clubs, leagues and local communities.

“So when making a nomination we’re asking people to think about how they can evidence the difference and impact football makes on those around them.

“Football is, after all, a game for all. It is about people who make grassroots football happen week in, week out, such as the supporters, referees, coaches and general volunteers, without whom local grassroots football simply wouldn’t exist.

“Winners will be those whose actions and behaviour make The FA’s PRIDE values - Progressive, Respectful, Inclusive, Determined, Excellent - part of the game for their clubs, leagues and communities.”

The awards – more details about the ceremony and venue will be released next month - are split into ten categories to maximise potential for recognition and nominations: Grassroots Coach of the Year, Grassroots Supporter of the Year, Grounds Team of the Year, Grassroots Club of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, We Only Do Positive Respect, Grassroots Project of the Year, Grassroots Match Official of the Year and Grassroots League of the Year.

Nominations can be made simply online by visiting www.thefa.com/get-involved/grassroots-football-awards/nominate

Individual award contenders should be nominated by someone else but anyone can choose their own club and/or league.