Football Heroes Wanted

Monday, 11 June 2007.

UMBRO, the world’s leading football brand, has launched the UMBRO Football Heroes awards to honour the unsung volunteers, parents and supporters that make up Berkshire and Buckingham’s ‘football workforce’.

The search is on to find the committed kit washers, selfless car drivers, dedicated coaches, referees, grounds staff and other local legends that have made the most outstanding contribution to grassroots football this season and beyond.

The South East’s Hero will have their own tale of football folklore immortalised on a unique plaque to sit proudly on their clubhouse, win tickets to a top game at Wembley Stadium and take delivery of a set of UMBRO training kit and equipment for their club.

The regional winner will compete against eight other UMBRO Football Heroes from around the country for the top prize, a special visit from another Football Hero, Alan Shearer, who will run a coaching session for their club! 

Entries and nominations can be registered via the www.umbrofootballkits.co.uk website and winners will be chosen by a special judging panel and inducted into the UMBRO Football Heroes ‘Hall of Fame’.  

Alan Shearer, UMBRO ambassador and football legend, said: “Without the small army of volunteers who organise everything from transport to washing the kits, grassroots football simply wouldn’t happen week in, week out.  It’s time for the people who really make football tick to receive recognition for their dedication and the time they generously give up each week.”

Ed Hughes, FA Development Manager at UMBRO, said: “The UMBRO Football Heroes awards are a way to give something back to the thousands of volunteers who go unrecognised but are critical to the game.  This scheme will give a well-deserved showcase to the real football legends as well as providing them with an opportunity to win great prizes for their club.”

An ‘UMBRO Football Hero’ will be found in each of the following football regions:
• South West
• South East
• London
• East Anglia
• East Midlands
• West Midlands
• Yorkshire
• North East
• North West