THE search for Westmorland’s grassroots heroes has begun as nominations for the annual FA Community Awards open.

The awards aim to recognise and reward grassroots clubs, coaches and volunteers across the country who keep the national game alive.

Nominees can be from any walk of life and Westmorland County FA is calling on locals to nominate their unsung hero who has gone above and beyond in the name of football.

The categories include:

• People’s Choice Award

• The FA Charter Standard Community Club Award

• The FA Charter Standard Development Club Award

• The FA Charter Standard Club Award

• The FA Charter Standard League Award

• The FA Volunteer of the Year Award

• The FA Young Volunteer of the Year Award

Nominations close on March 27 and the national award winners will be announced at The FA Community Shield presented by McDonald’s held at Wembley Stadium in August.

The winners will be selected by a judging panel including legends of the game such as 1966 World Cup hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst.

Peter Ducksbury, Westmorland County FA chief executive said: “I would urge everyone in Westmorland to vote for someone who they think is truly deserving of an award. Hopefully we will see hundreds of nominations from Westmorland and some national finalists.”

To find out more speak to Dan Ferguson, football development officer at the Westmorland FA on 01539 730946 or email daniel.ferguson@westmorlandfa.com.