Congratulations Bob!

#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, our second #BBFAStars winner (Welfare Officer), Bob Chapple of Binfield FC talks about why he does what he does, and what it means to be a Club Welfare Officer, asked first, what it feels like to be our winner, Bob said;

“It's brilliant. I didn't know I'd been nominated for it until people started sending me tweets saying they had voted for me!”

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 he does this role, Bob said: 

“The role is key to supporting the club's key values and coaching philosophy to ensure that we continue to be an inclusive club and that the young girls and boys who play for the club feel safe and secure and enjoy their football no matter what level they play at. 

“I'm lucky in that there are relatively few issues to deal with across the club given the numbers involved and I also work with another CWO whose own skill set compliments mine. The best aspect of the role is getting matters resolved both thoroughly, quickly and getting a resolution that takes matters forward in a positive way.”

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, Bob has this advice; 

“Think carefully about it, talk to other CWO's and use the County Safeguarding Team's experience to support your decision making if you are unsure. Forge a good working relationship with your Chairman, Club Secretary and Coaches and be visible.”

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 our Club and Leagues Development Officer, Lisa Welling via Development@Berks-BucksFA.com or call on 01235558450.

Our next #BBFAStars Award coming in March is for ‘Footie Mum’, 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 March.