#BBFAStars is about recognising the inspirational work of volunteers across the county all-year-round.

It’s a way for us, as the County FA, to say ‘Thank You’. Thank you for all your time, effort and relentless dedication to the game across Berks & Bucks FA. It’s also a way for your peers, your friends, fellow volunteers and local communities to recognise the people, often in the background, that help keep their clubs & leagues alive, week-in & week-out.

The roles we celebrate in #BBFAStars are not always in the spotlight, but the people that take them on often do so through a love of the game. #BBFAStars is not only about recognising their individual efforts but also about showing you a side of the game that you don’t often see.

Here, Georgina Jury, Welfare Officer at Woodley Saints FC talks about why she does what she does, and what it means to be a Club Welfare Officer, asked first, what it feels like to be our winner, Georgina said; "I feel rather honoured to receive the award, it demonstrates the work undertaken behind the scenes doesn't go unnoticed!"

The Welfare Officer is a crucial role in a youth club or league. The role of a Welfare Officer ensures that clubs/leagues operate a safe, child friendly environment and promote good practice in line with the club/league’s Child Protection Policy. When asked why she does this role, Georgina said: 

""I really enjoy the welfare officer role, it's really satisfying knowing you are making a difference to children's lives by providing an opportunity to play grassroots football in a safe and fun environment. It's helped me get to know all the coaches, managers and committee members  at Woodley saints football club who also volunteer a great amount of their time to enable children to play a sport they love.

"I enjoy the interaction with the Berks and Bucks FA. The monthly Welfare officer meetings are a great source of information and provide an opportunity to hear experiences of other volunteers and share best practice with them. The team at BBFA are always on hand to answer any query and to offer guidance."

Getting involved with your football club in a role behind the scenes can bring a lot of satisfaction and open the doors to new experiences & opportunities; from seeing both the club and people around you grow & succeed to meeting new, passionate people along the way.

For those people thinking about becoming involved in the sport and perhaps in the Welfare Officer role, Georgina has this advice; 

"If you're considering taking up the welfare officer role, then do it. You will have acess to all the information and guidance you'll need from Berks & Bucks FA. 

"All safeguarding information is readily available on the FA system, including policy templates if required.  You'll be an integral part of your club and have the opportunity to work with all teams, coaches, managers, parents and players. You'll get the opportunity to meet other welfare officers across the county at the virtual monthly Welfare officer meetings and share best practice. The whole game system is an efficient system to help easily monitor all club officials qualification, thus enabling me to provide the coaches with a timely reminder. The Welfre officer workshop provides a full insight into the role if you're still undecided."

If you would like to find out more about the types of volunteer roles available in grassroots football or about becoming a welfare officer and working with your local club, please contact us via Info@Berks-BucksFA.com or call on 01235544890 for an informal chat.

Our next #BBFAStars Award is coming in October, so if you know want to say thank you to the person at your club or league in this role, all it takes is a simple tweet. 

To find out more about the awards, and how to nominate, visit #BBFAStars – alternatively, keep your eyes peeled on our Twitter account for the nomination tweet to appear at the beginning of the month.