We are delighted to announce that Burgess Hill Town Juniors has won our Grassroots Club of the Year 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.

Burgess Hill Town Juniors dedicate all their efforts to getting kids involved in football and using sport as a platform to generate enjoyment, skill development, confidence, self-belief, inclusion, and an understanding of the core values of being in team sport. They have also partnered with a nutrition specialist and personal training company to ensure all their players are aware of the importance of looking after themselves both mentally and physically.

During lockdown Burgess Hill played a major role in keeping all its players active and positive. They conducted daily zoom calls and fun quizzes throughout, and parents continuously thank the club for doing this at such a difficult time. One of the key values of the club is inclusion, and in a short space of time the club has managed to recruit 100 girls into their girls’ section and has plans to expand this even further.

The club has a very clear purpose to attract players into the sport and support them fulfil their potential both on and off the field of play. Its actions back up the club spirit of people development first player second. 

This core purpose ensures all its committee members and coaches adopt the same approach meaning the club really does walk the walk when it comes to inclusion and development. The club has gone from 12 players to over 400 in 5 years which shows the value it is adding to youth players and has more players on the waiting list to join for next season.

The club is run purely by volunteers and the difference the volunteers have made to the lives of families from the community has been exceptional. The club has secured all its own agreements and partnerships and despite a number of challenges in progressing to the level it is now, they have shown great resilience in overcoming those challenges all with the development and inclusion of its players at heart.

Upon winning this award, chairman, Vince Alfieri, had this to say: "I am very proud and humbled that we have won this award. It's a real confidence boost for club that we are doing all the right things to support the enjoyment and development of young players.

"Thanks goes out to all of our volunteers, committee members, coaches, and partners who support us so passionately. Lastly, a huge thank you to all of our wonderful parents and players." 

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

Awards
E: Awards@SussexFA.com