EAST RIDING FA UNSUNG HERO OF THE MONTH – MARCH 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 Libby Lynch.

At 14 years of age Libby is the youngest ever recipient of the Unsung Hero of the Month award.

Inspired by the success of Serina Wiegman’s Lionesses Libby decided to take her first steps into coaching during the summer of 2023 when she started volunteering at Pocklington Towns Weetabix Wildcats centre.

Although nervous Libby quickly found the confidence and motivation to start delivering parts of the weekly sessions under the guidance of session lead Becky Whiteley.

Renowned for her positive ‘can do’ attitude Libby is extremely popular with the clubs 5 – 9-yearolds with the success of the centre attributed to Libby and her infectious personality.

Sessions are fun and inclusive, and Libby goes the extra mile to make sure that the participants are engaged every Thursday night. This includes undertaking education away from the training field with Libby recently completing the EE Playmaker by England Learning and the Disney Inspired Shooting Stars courses.

East Riding FA Participation and Communications Officer Chris Johnson said, “Libby is such a fantastic young coach, and we are so grateful that she decided to start volunteering her time to grassroots football. Its clear that the children who attend Pocklington Towns Weetabix Wildcats centre do because the sessions are fun and that is down to Libby.”

Libby is keen to see more young people volunteer in grassroots football and she is already looking to the future, Libby said, “it is great to be part of and we are inspiring these girls to play football - I could even be coaching the next squad of the England lionesses!!! 

When presented with the award Libby said, “I am shocked as I didn’t even know it was a thing! I volunteer because I love the sport and seeing my wildcat’s having fun is just amazing! I don’t do it for any recognition so to get this is just amazing”.

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.