We are delighted to announce that Rachel Keen of Polegate Grasshopppers has won our New Volunteer of the Year Award as part of England Football’s Grassroots Football Awards.

The award aims to recognise and reward a volunteer who has arrived this year and made a positive difference. 

Rachel is the Chair of the girl’s department at Polegate Grasshoppers and is also a committee member for the club. Not only this but Rachel is also the assistant coach for the girl’s under-11s team!

Rachel has never worked in football before and last season she did so much. In her role for the girl’s under-11s, she ran two WhatsApp groups for all parents in two teams. She has single handedly recruited three new coaches, so that the club could create a second team to accommodate all 25 girls that want to play.

She sets out whole season plans for all children so that they get equal playing time and fair opportunity. Rachel has played a huge part in the setup, organisation and running of the new kitchen at Polegate Grasshoppers on match day, making the experience for spectators and parents a much more enjoyable one.

This includes stock taking, buying in products and recruiting volunteers to run the kitchen. She has taken charge of trying to bring in sponsorship for the club, so there are funds to improve facilities and equipment allowing children across the whole club to benefit.

Rachel has also been part of establishing, promoting and organisation birthday parties at Polegate Grasshoppers. The club now offer children fun parties thanks to Rachels hard work. Not content with just that, Rachel also launched Wildcats at the club and ‘Little Hoppers’ which allow the club to give reception age children access to football.

Since starting volunteering at Polegate, Rachel has ensured that the girls attending have access to matches and training. Her recruitment has allowed more girls in the community access to football. Rachel gives those who wish to volunteer in football a platform to do so and start their football journey.

Rachel stands out for her commitment, work ethic, passion and how focused she is on ensuring that the children and parents get the very best access to football - not only in the club, but the community. She works tirelessly to give as much opportunity as she possibly can for everybody!

To find out more about the England Football Grassroots Awards please contact:

Awards
E: Awards@SussexFA.com