Somerset Football Association held its annual 'County Awards Evening', which honoured several local sports personalities, on Thursday, 11th July at the Somerset County Cricket Ground in Taunton.
With over 150 people in attendance, including special guests from the Football Association, awards were presented within 25 different categories on the evening, eight of the categories were sponsored by McDonalds through the FA's Community Awards Scheme. Selected awards were also sponsored by Ivan and Rendall and Co Accountants, SASP and Bridgwater College.
The last award of the evening was for Outstanding Contribution to Community Football, this was picked up by Claire Burton, from Purnell Sports/Midsomer North Youth and Mini League. Claire lives and breathes football and is an instrumental figure in local football.
She said: "I was overwhelmed when my name was called for the award, I've been involved with Purnell Sports for five years, so I'm thrilled to have won an award!
"My friends, Ali and Sue, came to the ceremony with me and it was great to be able to share the moment with them. I've had loads of wonderful messages from the FA since the award, the amount of support has been great."
Claire Burton is a very busy and proactive member of the local sporting community, aside from being Secretary and Child Welfare Officer for Purnell, she is the Child Welfare Officer for the Midsomer Norton Youth Football League and helps with Wells, Radstock and Frome Collegians Youth Teams.
"I got involved with Purnell Sports when my son started playing for the Under-8s. It's all voluntary, but I love it!" Claire said.
At the moment, Purnell Sports are looking to expand its girls teams. "It's important to get more girls involved in football, it's a predominately male sport, but it would be great to have more girls involved."
Currently, Purnell Sports are looking to start a training session for the Under-10's girls team for the coming season. The session will run from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. and will be coached by eleven-year-old Neve, who plays in the team. This is something that Claire is hoping will get more young girls interested in playing for a local team.
Several other local sports personalities were also honoured at the awards, with Secretary of the Season going to Kate Maule, from Westfield Football Club, and Young Volunteer of the Season going to Luke Turner, of Keynsham Town. This award being all the more appropriate as Luke is a product of Keynsham Town FC's superb focus on developing young individuals through football.