This week, Liverpool County FA will be continuing to announce the winners of this year’s FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards (GFA), which acknowledge and celebrate the incredible leagues, clubs and volunteers involved in the game across Merseyside.

During what is a difficult time for so many of us, with grassroots football hit incredibly hard, it is a pleasure to be able to pay tribute to just some of the many factors that make our game so special – and emphasise why, when we can come back, we’ll come back stronger.

WE ONLY DO POSITIVE RESPECT AWARD

Congratulations from everybody at Liverpool County FA to Litherland Remyca FC U7s, the winners of this year’s We Only Do Positive Respect Award.

Nominated by Neil Antrobus, Neil explains why the team, players and parents are deserving of this award.

“I am the coach of Litherland Remyca U7s (Antrobus - Sat) and I am so impressed by the way in which my parents have embraced the ‘We Only Do Positive Approach’. 

“They have, all season, been applauding and supporting their own kids, but also those in the teams we have played with.

“The impact has been that their own kids have clearly developed a love for the game. They feel they can take risks, make mistakes, but know they will always be supported for trying their best and having fun.

“The kids I have are also some of the youngest in the year, but because of the support they’ve had, they are developing into confident, composed and committed players who will be involved in football for the long term.

“This positive approach has, at times, also resulted in our opponents mirroring our actions. They have begun to praise our players as well as their own. They have been less vocal and it has allowed all of the players to excite with the ball.

“From my own perspective as the team coach, I have also asked the parents to use some positive key words to support the kids in their learning. The parents have taken this on board, they have encouraged the kids to stay on the ball, and really bought into the environment I am trying to create for the kids. 

“It is for that reason that I nominate my parents and the kids for the ‘We Only Do Positive Award’. It has been a joy this season to coach and long may it continue.”