At a packed demonstration session attended by nearly 90 grassroots coaches at Fulham FC’s training ground on 9 May 2022, the Surrey Football Coaches Association (SFCA) took the opportunity to present the Arthur Hammond Award 2022 to Ben Rogers of Carshalton Athletic FC.

The Arthur Hammond Award was set up by the Association in 2021 to reward grassroots coaches or organisations who go the extra mile in helping others in their coaching pathway. Arthur Hammond was a Vice President of the Association but sadly passed away in 2021. Arthur was renowned for helping others throughout his life and was known by so many coaches for his support in their coaching journeys.

The Association was delighted that members of Arthur’s family could be present this year. The family said a few words on how much the award means to them in Arthur’s memory.

Those nominated this year for the prestigious award represented a true cross-section of coaches and organisations and the panel of Amirah Rahman, John Wallis and Mark Hudson did not have an easy task in selecting a winner.

All those who were nominated received a certificate from the Association celebrating their work in grassroots football. They should all be very proud of their work and efforts being acknowledged by their peers.

Ben was nominated by David Geddes, General Manager of CAFC and in his submission David stated:

“There is never a complaint from Ben. He always has a positive demeanour in everything he does. Without people like Ben who are prepared to give up their time willingly throughout the year, grassroots clubs like ours simply would not be able to operate. He is everything a grassroots juniors coach should be… and more.”

Ben has volunteered at Carshalton Athletic FC for over 5 years. He manages and coaches their U14 yellows team, is head coach for the club's Saturday Soccer school (often attended by over 150 children), runs holiday clubs as well as kids’ parties on match days (which includes training, lunch and mascot duties), Ben often takes annual leave from his day job to undertake these roles.

In presenting the award to Ben, Keith Boanas, President of the Association said:

“Ben is a real diamond and fully deserving of the award, really pleased for him.”

Ben said on receiving the certificate and the Arthur Hammond Award Shield (which he keeps for 12 months) that "he was incredibly grateful and humbled that you have given me the award; it means so much to me."