Keeping Football Positive Award: Steve Atkins
We are delighted to announce that Steve Atkins of the Sussex Disability Football League, has won the Keeping Football Positive Award as part of England Football’s Grassroots Football Awards.
Awarded to a volunteer, club, league or project that’s used the power of football to improve others’ lives and made a big difference in their community.
Steve is one of the Directors at the Sussex County FA and until recently, was also the Chair of the Sussex Disability Football League. Last year saw Steve undertake a remarkable challenge, walking just over 100 miles in four days to raise funds and awareness for the league, as they sought to continue running for another season. He achieved this incredible task and, in the process, raised over £7,000 to allow the league to put on their fixtures for another season.
By raising the money for the Disability League, Steve provides a vital opportunity for players who might not have had the opportunity to experience the excitement of competitive fixtures, to enjoy the beautiful game.
Without the walk, the League might not have been able to continue for another season, leaving the players and teams struggling to put on fixtures throughout the season, let alone find venues and match officials.
Steve stands out because of his sheer dedication to the promotion and growth of inclusive football. Many of us can talk the talk about supporting the game but in his case, as with many, Steve walked the walk! All the teams and the players in the Sussex Disability Football League can testify to not only his effort in promoting the game, but also his infectious personality that allows all players, each time they arrive at Culver Road for a day of fixtures, to feel like they're in a safe and supportive space.
Steve gives so much of his time to promoting inclusive football in Sussex, with his walking challenge a symbol of his determination to provide the best footballing experience to those players.
To find out more about the England Football Grassroots Awards please contact:
AwardsE: Awards@SussexFA.com