We are delighted to announce that Horsham FC youth coach, Jamie Irving, has won our Grassroots Coach of the Year (Youth) Award as part of The FA and McDonald's Grassroots Football Awards.

The awards aim to recognise and reward volunteers, match officials, clubs and leagues across the county who have made a difference to grassroots football in their local community.

Jamie is a dedicated, efficient, hardworking coach with a worth ethic beyond impressive. The time he has given to the kids that he coaches, also during lockdown, is phenomenal. 

He has put hours and hours of his own time whilst still working full time as an Emergency Services Commander in London and has three boys of his own. He empowers the children to work hard and to be the very best they can be and it is Jamie and the boy’s first season at Horsham. Jamie has created a wonderful football family that everyone loves being a part of.

Over the period of lockdown Jamie kept in contact with all of the families. He made weekly videos for the boys which included drills, help with fitness, pace and even some fun with tricks. Every Sunday the videos are scored, and the parents even get to watch them as well as a video of the week whereby a child is praised for their hard work ethic. But that is not before he organises a weekly Sunday 4:00pm quiz for the kids. The players stayed engaged, laughing and giggling but still learning without even knowing it.

Jamie well and truly stood out from the crowd. He goes above and beyond for the children and their families. He has even purchased new coats for one or two of the children who couldn't afford new ones in order for them not to be left out. 

Upon winning the award, Jamie had this to say: “I enjoy nothing more than watching young players enjoy and develop in football. Having three young boys, football is pretty much seven days a week for us, but I love every minute of it. At times it feels like I have 30 kids whilst coaching at Horsham FC and Perrywood Sport but it’s so rewarding.

I’m very fortunate to have fantastic help from my fellow coaches Carl Miles & James Dickinson. In addition, I have an experienced mentor in Craig Brewster. All the people around me share the same vision for the players and ultimately enjoy watching the players blossom.”

To find out more about The FA and McDonald's Grassroots Football Awards please contact:

Awards 
E: Awards@SussexFA.com