EAST RIDING FA UNSUNG HERO OF THE MONTH – JANUARY 2024

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 Lisa Adamson.

Lisa works tirelessly as a volunteer at Kingswood FC and play an integral role in making sure that children and adults can participate in football in a safe and inclusive environment.

The club is indebted to her work as Welfare Officer, and she goes above and beyond to ensure that people of all ages can play and enjoy grassroots football with her work often going on behind the scenes unbeknown to the people who benefit from it.

When asked why she volunteers so much time Lisa said, “I am so passionate about children in every aspect. All children deserve to be kept safe in every environment. Football is an opportunity for children to feel included and have fun. I joined the committee and became the welfare officer so that i could be play a part in ensuring this for the children in my community.”

Lisa has been presented with many challenges during her time volunteering and she spends countless hours making sure that coaches and club officials understand the importance of adhering to safeguarding requirements and she is respected for the care and compassion she demonstrates.

When asked how she deals with safeguarding complaints at the club Lisa said, “At our club i have helped but in place a consistent and robust system to help monitor, manage, and control behaviour across players, coaches, and spectators. This is a three-step process with step one being education and training, including a conversation with committee members if the incident warrants it. Step two being a one match ban and a conversation with committee members and step three leading to a three-match ban and a meeting with the club Chairman and Secretary. All incidents are investigated from a fact finding and unbiased point of view from a variety of sources.”

Kingswood United is currently the biggest club in the County so we understand what a huge role Lisa has taken on especially as she still finds time to coach and manage one of the club’s girl’s teams which is also a huge undertaking.

Lisa makes enormous personal sacrifices for the benefit of others and her professionalism when dealing with sensitive matters is invaluable.

When presented with the Unsung Hero of the Month award Lisa said, “It means a lot to me to be named Unsung Hero of the Month. To be recognised for the time, effort and commitment is important when we are all volunteers. I am very grateful for the nomination, the kind words and then to be chosen.”

East Riding FA Participation and Communications Officer Chris Johnson said, “Lisa is a grassroots football coach and Welfare Officer at the regions biggest club. The time, dedication and professionalism Lisa brings to the club is invaluable and we are delighted to be able to recognise her contribution to 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.