EAST RIDING FA UNSUNG HERO OF THE MONTH – NOVEMBER 2023

The East Riding FA Unsung Hero of the Month award recognizes 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 people 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 Lee Noble.

Lee is a popular figure down at Barham AFC and has been with the club since it was reborn a few years ago after he and Chairman Martin Blount decided to form a new team for their sons to play in.

The club which is based in East Hull and play their fixtures out of Alderman Kneeshaw Park. Barham AFC are a one-star England Football Accredited club which has enjoyed tremendous growth over the last couple of years with their popular Saturday soccer sessions producing teams ranging from U7s through to adult men’s.

Renowned for his dedication and hard work Lee is the beating heart of the club with no job being too big or too small for him.

From coaching the clubs U7s, U10s, and U14s to maintaining the club’s pitches Lee continues to find the energy and motivation to support the clubs’ players and coaches.

When asked about Lee’s contribution to Barham AFC Club Secretary Emma Blount said, “He is at our ground at the crack of dawn on a weekend as well as after work during the week. He works hard to make our pitches as wonderful as possible for all the kids with him cutting the grass, marking the pitches and ensuring the goalmouths are playable.”

Amazingly as well as volunteering countless hours to the club Lee works full time and is also a registered referee for the 2023 – 2024 season.

Lee was a keen grassroots football player before hanging up his boots and is enjoying his time on the side lines, “Volunteering at Barham AFC has become like a second lease of life as my playing days have now officially come to an end. I decided to give back my time to the club so that everyone involved can come and feel welcomed whether that just be for a coffee whilst walking their dogs or for the teams coming to play games at our ground.”

When asked what it means to be named Unsung Hero of the Month Lee said, “The award has come as a bit of a shock as I was never expecting it to be honest but doing what I do at Barham is for the kids so that they can have a decent pitch and a nice environment and a club to be part of.”

Not only does Lee volunteer his time to coach and carry out grounds maintenance he is also supportive of the other coaches at the club and is always on hand to lend support and advice.

When asked why people should volunteer in grassroots football Lee said, “It can open up a whole new friends’ group for you and seeing the kids smile and forming their owns friend’s groups makes it all worthwhile.”

Participation and Communications Development Officer Chris Johnson said, “Lee is an amazing grassroots football volunteer who Is totally committed to creating a positive atmosphere at Barham AFC. The energy Lee has is infectious with him totally dedicated to the club. We are delighted to name Lee as our latest Unsung Hero of the Month.”

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.