Motspur Park Community Football Club (CFC) has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to football after being named Club of the Year at the England Football Grassroots Football Awards, presented by Howdens.

The club was presented with the award by sports broadcaster and BBC Match of the Day presenter Mark Chapman at a special ceremony on Sunday, 16 August, held ahead of The FA Community Shield fixture between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Also surprised with a money-can't-buy experience, Club Secretary Gary Hammocks was taken pitch side before the Community Shield kick-off to line up in a guard of honour as the Arsenal and Manchester City players entered the pitch.

Founded 13 seasons ago with a mission to make football for all, Motspur Park has grown from only two teams to fifty-five teams today - run entirely by 130+ volunteers.

The club offers a full pathway including 19 girls-only teams, mental wellbeing sessions and one of the largest disability football set-ups in the area.

The award comes in a record-breaking year for the annual England Football Grassroots Football Awards, with more than 12,200 nominations submitted across 12 categories, highlighting the breadth of impact that volunteers have across the country.

More than one million people support grassroots football each year, taking on a huge range of roles – from putting up goalposts and making teas to coaching teams and supporting the safeguarding and welfare of players.

The Grassroots Football Awards provide an opportunity to shine a light on these individuals and organisations and celebrate the impact they have on their local communities.

Daniel Hammocks, Club Chairperson, said: "It's a huge honour to win such a prestigious award and a testament to everyone who makes our club so special.

"At our heart, we are always striving to develop local potential across all ages and abilities - creating a fun, supportive space where players learn, develop, and feel like they belong.

"Our volunteers don't give up their time for accolades, but this recognition truly reflects all of the hard work put in across the entire club."

James Kendall, Director of Football Development at The FA, added: "The Grassroots Football Awards are the pinnacle of the season where we shine a light on the contribution our family of volunteers, and particularly our winners, make to the game.

"From pitch maintenance, to respecting the standard, to making the game more welcoming, diverse and inclusive – the grassroots game thrives because of volunteers who put time, effort and care into football and their communities.

"Every year, the thousands of stories that pour in from every corner of the country show how appreciative the game is of those who keep it running. Huge congratulations go to this year's recipients for their outstanding contribution."

Forbes McNaughton, Group Company Secretary for Howdens said: "We are delighted to be the lead partner of the Grassroots Football Awards this year, celebrating the heroes behind the clubs.

"Grassroots football clubs are central to local communities and they represent more than just places to play a match, and the awards are a wonderful recognition of these efforts."

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