EAST RIDING FA UNSUNG HERO OF THE MONTH – NOVEMBER 2022

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 Pete Harris.

Pete is a formidable character in grassroots football in East Riding with him fulfilling a multitude of roles.

He first started volunteering in football when his youngest son joined East Hull based side Flinton Flyers. From there he has gone on to become a coach at the club with him currently responsible for the clubs U12 side. He doesn’t just coach though, he currently mentor’s other coaches at the club and fills the role of Welfare Officer as well being the clubs Player Registration Officer. Roles which are vital to the running of a successful grassroots football club.

It’s his attitude to coaching and his dedication to providing a positive experience for young people that people notice most. Pete said, “I try to give all players at least half of the game time.  Having lots of time on the pitch helps them to enjoy football whilst giving the child confidence and time to develop their ability.”

Pete’s involvement with football doesn’t just lie with Flinton Flyers though. He will also often be spotted as the man in middle with him picking up the whistle to referee either adult or junior football in the county most weekends. His dedication to the game is clear to see and his evolved his role as a match official to supporting other referees through the East Riding FA Referee Development Group.

When asked about his involvement Pete said, “Being a Mentor for young match officials is essential as we need to give the referee reassurance that there is someone they can talk to after a difficult game. We need to nurture these young officials to help keep them in the game, but it isn’t just newly qualified officials that need an ear to talk to. We have all had difficult games and referees need to know that they can contact any of the mentors for support and advice.”

As well as his club roles and match official duties Pete also manages to find the time to appoint referees to games for the Hull and District Youth Football League as well as serving as a committee member on the East Riding FA Competitions Committee.

When asked what it means to be given the East Riding FA Unsung Hero of the Month Award Pete said, “The benefits of volunteering at grassroots is seeing the children having fun whilst training, playing or refereeing. This definitely makes all the many hours of preparation worthwhile, and It is a real honour to be recognised by the County FA.”

East Riding FA Participation and Communications Officer Chris Johnson said, “Pete is a real force of nature and clearly enjoys the time he dedicates to football. Without people like Pete our great game would grind to a halt which is why we are delighted to recognise his contribution to grassroots football in East Riding.”

If you know someone who deserves recognition for their contribution to grassroots football, then please click here and nominate them for next month’s award.