Pitching In Isthmian Supporter of the Year Award: Premier Division

We asked all of our clubs to nominate supporters for our Supporter of the Year Awards, and for this season we gave an award for each Division. We start by saluting our Premier Division winners, Liam Beresford (above) and Dan Bentley (below) of Lewes.

The winning nomination tells you everything you need to know about Liam and Dan.

'Any fans of clubs that Lewes visit will probably know Liam and Dan - they are both wheelchair bound but still follow the Rooks to almost every away game and are always present behind the goal we are attacking. They've been regulars at Lewes games home and away for over 15 years together.

Dan Bentley SOTY 2021-22

They met 34 years at a specialist centre for Cerebral Palsy in Hampstead London and connected immediately, and have remained best friends ever since. Liam actually lives in Lewes and has followed The Rooks for probably 25 years plus.

Dan lives in Great Dunmow, Essex (a 100+ mile drive each way!) and has followed Lewes since around 2005. When West Ham were playing away from Upton Park Dan and his Dad would travel to Lewes meet up with Liam and his family and would walk to the Pan with them to watch the game.

Once Dan had obtained his driving license he would drive himself to games and meet up with Liam.

Both have played Boccia at the highest level, representing England. Dan won a Gold Medal as part of the GB team in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and bronze in 2012 in London alongside numerous golds, silvers, and bronze medals in World Cups, world championships , European and UK championships. Dan now officiates, coaches, and also runs a Boccia club in Essex, this combined with his role on the board of directors for Boccia England keep him extremely busy, and he gained his coaching and refereeing around 3years ago.

They are true fans of the club through thick and thin. They let us know their feelings on performances and any game we play wouldn’t be the same without them there. The sheer dedication of their support is the reason why we'd like to nominate them as Isthmian Supporters of the Year. They are an inspiration to everyone at the club.'

Many congratulations to Liam and Dan, Pitching In Isthmian Premier Supporters of the Year for 2021-22.

Follow the Pitching In Isthmian League on Instagram. Head here or search for theisthmianleague on your app. We're also on Facebook and Twitter.