Father and son turn awards into a family affair!

Ryman South Carshalton Athletic turned the Surrey FA's annual awards night into a real family affair, writes James Barrett.

The Robins scooped two awards at the Surrey FA Presentation Evening, club director Paul Williams and his son Harrison collecting the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Community Football’ and ‘Young Volunteer of the Year’ awards respectively during the celebrations at Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park.

All the Surrey FA's winners were honoured for their "hard work and dedication in improving grassroots football" with the accolades handed out by Keith Millen, Palace's assistant manager, and broadcaster Martin Tyler, unveiled at the event as a new ambassador for the county.

After picking his award and returning to Colston Avenue, a delighted Williams senior said the Robins would continue to invest in the development of coaches across all 53 of the teams they currently run.

He said: “It was a fantastic honour but, although this was an individual nomination, I accept it on behalf of all the volunteers at Carshalton. I am only too aware this accolade was achieved due to the excellent support I receive from everyone at the club.

“What is more pleasing is Carshalton Athletic continues to be recognised for its efforts to the community and grassroots football, carrying on the legacy of the FA and UEFA awards earned in the recent past.”

Williams junior, 21, has been volunteering at Carshalton for the last six years, working successfully in a number of roles.

Pictured collecting his award from Millen, he said: “Moments like this are ones which underline the good things Carshalton Athletic can offer. I’m proud to work alongside so many people that work hard to give both the supporters and the local community something to be proud of.

“I primarily helped coach the under 15-16 girls before [academy boss] Ian Hazel gave me the chance to work with him two season ago. I then became manager of the Ryman Youth League team last season, which was a great experience, before I was given a small role working with the first-team from last November."

He added: “I'd say the best bit across all those roles is being able to see players grow and reach their potential.”

To see the full list of winners visit: www.surreyfa.com/news/2015/jul/news-article-page.

Image courtesy of the www.surreyfa.com

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