News

The aim of the event, which was supported by Invest NI, Renewing Communities, Young Enterprise Northern Ireland, The Northern Ireland Community Relations Council and Podium For Sport, was to reward unsung heroes and volunteers who have made a special contribution to football and to praise the innovative and hugely successful BASE (Business and Sporting Enterprise) programme which combined business with football to encourage young people to recognise the strong relationship between the two.

The Awards Ceremony which was held at the Ramada Hotel on Saturday night; was hosted by Northern Ireland’s very own Radio One DJ and Channel Five Football Presenter star Colin Murray and local actor and director Dan Gordon.

The international boss was quick to heap praise on the young people involved with the innovative BASE (Business and Sporting Enterprise) programme which was developed and delivered by Young Enterprise Northern Ireland. 

“This project was a really exciting and new way to engage young people in developing and enhancing their business skills through their love of football” he enthused.   “It is really exciting to witness entrepreneurial spirit and determination from the next generation of professionals who will take Northern Ireland’s future forward.”

The Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, also expressed support for the many unsung heroes within the football family who were rewarded for their commitment and passion in making football more open and accessible to all who wish to participate in the game. 

“All of these remarkable people have in their own individual way contributed to making football and sport welcoming to more people and in doing so demonstrate the power of sport in building relationships between everyone within the community,” he said. 

“I am constantly impressed with the desire of people like Thomas Mockey of World United and Mervyn and Elizabeth Bryson for their strength of character to provide valuable opportunities for others to enjoy the game.”

Colin Murray added how delighted he was to be asked to host the event: “I am surprised they asked me back after last year, but I suppose Paddy Kielty and Eamonn Holmes must have been busy.  Once again, it was an honour to volunteer my services as Football For All Ambassador and it was a down-to-earth, humbling experience as usual. 

"For me, it is brilliant to see people from the supporters groups, development squads and Irish League Clubs being given the recognition they so richly deserve.  These are the guys who continue to make the Northern Irish footballing landscape a place we can become more and more proud of. ''

The Award Winners were:

- FFA Lifetime Achievement Award - Elizabeth and Mervyn Bryson
- FFA Development Unsung Hero -Thomas Coyle (Belfast Deaf United)
- Women's FFA Unsung Hero - Maura Muldoon
- Women's International FFA Unsung Hero - Sara Booth
- Community Relations FFA Unsung Hero- Matthew Brown
- Community Relations FFA Unsung Hero - Kyle Bradley
- Boys FA FFA Unsung Hero - Jimmy Davis
- Green and White Army FFA Unsung Hero - Our Wee Country
- Irish League Forums Supporters Group FFA Unsung Hero - Gerard Lawlor
- NI International FFA Unsung Hero - Terry Hayes
- NI International FFA Unsung Hero - Derek McKinley
- World United FFA Unsung Hero - Thomas Mockey
- Grassroots Football FFA Unsung Hero - Gerry Colhoun
- Child Protection FFA Unsung Hero - Valerie Martin
- Referees FFA Unsung Hero - Malcolm Moffatt