Paulton’s Claire Burton, who has received many accolades from the Somerset FA for her work within youth football, including the FA Grassroots Award at Buckingham Palace by HRH The Duke of Cambridge in 2013, has been honoured by the organisation once again.
At Somerset FA’s annual County Awards Evening on Tuesday, 28th July at Somerset County Cricket ground, Taunton, the organisation took the opportunity to recognise and reward outstanding contributions and achievements to football from Leagues, Clubs and Volunteers within Somerset over the last twelve months.
With over 160 people in attendance, awards were presented within twenty-four different categories on the evening. The categories were sponsored by McDonalds through The FA’s Community Awards scheme and selected awards were also sponsored by Ivan and Rendall and Co Accountants, SASP, Bridgwater College, The Mortgage Centre, Taunton Plumbing and Heating and Mr and Mrs Dix.
Special guests on the evening were National and Regional FA staff members, Lucy Wellings, Simon Wood, Roger Vaughan, Sarah Lawler and Andy Horne, who were joined by Lauren O’Sullivan (AOC Sport) and Somerset FA’s Board of Directors.
Claire was awarded Welfare Officer of the Year for her tremendous efforts with safeguarding children. Speaking about the award, Claire said: “I am chuffed to bits and very proud.”
Her voluntary work began when she started as Club Secretary for Purnell Sports Youth in 2008, becoming the Child Welfare Officer for the club in 2011.