The Surrey Football Association hosted its annual Grassroots Awards at Thorpe Park, celebrating the dedicated volunteers who ensure football in Surrey is inclusive, safe, and enjoyable for all.

The event paid tribute to the unsung heroes of local football and marked a special farewell to a longstanding community pillar.

The evening was particularly significant as it honoured the retirement of Surrey FA President Ray Lewis. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, the organisation introduced the Ray Lewis Award, with Lewis himself being the first recipient. This new accolade will annually recognise a volunteer who goes above and beyond to foster the growth and improvement of football in Surrey.

Highlights of the night included awards in various categories, acknowledging excellence in coaching, club management, and officiating.

Winners:

• Bobby Moore Award: Nick Chadwick (Horley Town FC)
• Club of the Year: Caterham Pumas
• Coaches of the Year: Nick Elgar of Woking Wolves (Disability), Chris Edwards of Epsom & Ewell Colts Ladies (Female), Elijah Taylor of Guildford City FC (Male)
• Grounds Team of the Year: West Wickham FC
• League of the Year: Surrey Premier County Football League
• Match Official of the Year: David Simms
• New Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by High5): Day Reynolds (Horley United FC)
• Young Volunteer of the Year: Jay Reader (Bedfont Eagles)
• Keeping Football Positive Award: Andrew Ciechan (Kew Park Rangers)
• Facilities Project of the Year: Cobham Football Club 
• Club Welfare Officer of the Year: Lars Edwards (Virginia Water FC)

The event also celebrated long service award winners:

• 15 Years: Alex Forbes (Guildford Saints), Dannis Jones (Wandgas FC), James Bray (Dorkinians FC), Lisa Courtney (Hamsey Rangers FC), Paul Malyon (Epsom & Ewell Colts), Timothy Hatt (Charlwood Village FC), Will Cooper (Epsom & Ewell Colts)
• 25 Years: Carmine Porto (Frenchies Athletic), Colin Omogbehin (Junior Elite FC), Darren Salmon (Sutton Common Rovers FC), Graham Holder (Westfield FC), Remo Porto (Frenchies Athletic), Sarah Street (Sheen Lions FC), Michael Lawrence (Westfield FC)
• 35 Years: Dave Farebrother (Sutton United FC), Graham Prentice (Suburban Football League), Graham Starns (Sutton United FC), Spencer Mitchell (Redhill, Horley Town, Epsom & Ewell), Tony Dolbear (Sutton United FC)
• 45 Years: Alam Salmon (Sutton Common Rovers FC), Bruce Elliott (Sutton United FC)
• 50 Years: Brian Carroll, Dave Farnbrother, Des Flanders, Trevor Wenden (all for Services to Football)

Adding to the evening's festivities was a photo booth sponsored by Specsavers, long time partners and sponsors of the Senior Cup, which was won this season by South Park Reigate.

As the awards night concluded, the Surrey FA reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots football and the volunteers who make it possible, showcasing the community spirit that drives the beautiful game at its most fundamental level.

Non League snapper, Simon Roe was in attendance and you can view his full photo album here.