EAST RIDING FA UNSUNG HERO OF THE MONTH – December 2021

The East Riding FA Unsung Hero of the Month award recognizes those individuals in our county who are going above and beyond to create a fun, safe, and inclusive environment for people to play and enjoy football.

We know that grassroots football in our county is supported by an amazing group of volunteers who put their heart and soul into supporting the game for the benefit of others. This award is our way of recognizing and celebrating their efforts.

The winner of this month’s award is Hedon Rangers Mental Wellness Champion Andy Jarvis.

Andy is credited with taking on the role of Mental Wellness Champion at Hedon Rangers and going above and beyond to make sure the mental wellness of young people at the club is prioritised. From speaking at club meetings to letting people know that he is there to to help, Andy has shown tremendous tenacity and dedication to the role with him implementing a number of initiatives including the launch of a Hedon Rangers Wellbeing Loyalty Card.

When asked how he came up with the idea Andy said; I was paying for a book in Waterstones and I got a stamp on my loyalty Card. It just made me think what if kids got loyalty points for doing activities that helped their mental well-being."

Since then Andy has a approached a number of local business in attempt to persuade them to come on board with the idea. With the loyalty card still in its infancy Andy is hoping that one day a similar scheme could be launched nationwide with young people able to access activities at discounted rates.

Its not only off the pitch where Andy is having success though. As well as being the cubs Mental Wellness Champion he is also the manager of the clubs U15s Eastside team and he takes great pride in the way he conducts himself when in training and match day situations. 

Andy said; "My philosophy is that football should be fun, it should be about learning, it should be about development and and then it should be about winning and it should be in that order. All my players get equal game time and on the last Tuesday training session of each month I let the lads have free play where I turn up with a couple of footballs, they get warmed up and they play 8 a side for an hour."

When asked what the future holds Andy said; "In terms of the future I'm planning on continuing with the Wellness Champion role at the club and hope to get more businesses on board with the Wellbeing loyalty card. I also hope that by pushing the importance of talking about Mental Health it will empower young people not just across the region but nationally to really check in on one another in the same way they talk about their favourite teams results or how they are doing on FIFA."

And when presented with the East Riding FA Unsung Hero of the Month Award Andy said; "I am extremely honoured and flattered that I have won this award and I would like to dedicate this award to all the young people and volunteers at Hedon Rangers, as well as at the other teams across the region and all the other volunteers associated with grassroots football who ensure that young people can play in an encouraging, fun and safe environment."

Hedon Rangers Club Chairman Richard Cooper added; "We are obviously delighted for him and that his efforts have been recognised. We are fortunate to have him as part of our Club. Hopefully this accolade will attract more supporters for his Loyalty card scheme."

If know someone who deserves recognition for their contribution to grassroots football then please click here and nominate them for next months award.

Business that would like to support the Hedon Rangers Well-Being card can get in touch with Andy by emailing - hrwellbeingchampion@gmail.com