Dagenham United

Paul Belcer and Keith Rothon both come away with awards for their effort.

There was double joy for Dagenham United last week as they walked away with two trophies from the Essex County FA Awards evening.

Held at Regimental Way Golf Club in Chelmsford, both Paul Belcher and Keith Rothon picked up recognition for their services to the club.

Belcher took home the Charter Standard coach of the year award and has been with the Manor Road-based side since 2002.

He has launched initiatives such as ‘Mini Kickers’ as well as the Junior Football Leaders course, which has helped the club’s older players on their first steps on the coaching ladder.

Belcher also coaches two under-nine sides and his own under-14 team.

Meanwhile, Rothon was awarded an Essex County FA Long Service certificate for 10 years as an Honorary Secretary of an affiliated club or competition.

He has been with Dagenham United since 2000 as a club secretary and committee member, before also becoming the referee secretary for the Echo Junior League in 2007.

Essex County FA chief executive Phil Sammons paid tribute to all the award winners.

“We say it so often at these ceremonies, but it is worth reinforcing that grassroots football simply would not exist without the selfless hard work of volunteers and each individual is worth their weight in gold several times over,” he said.

“At the Essex County FA we’re proud to be able to say thank you and to recognise what is a small fraction of the overall workforce in our football-rich area.”