Earlier this year we shared an article documenting the 20 year anniversary of Maidstone United Raiders (Raiders reach 20). Started by John and Tyke Harvey, with Mike Littleboy (Chair SITC),Lorraine has been involved with Raiders for 17 years and has overseen their growth. This alone is a huge achievement however for Lorraine this is not enough. She has been refereeing for 20 years, a long time in continuous service to grassroots football.
In June this year the refereeing community gathered at the England National Referees awards 2023/2024 season at Wembley. There are 35,000 referees in England and these awards look to recognise the work they do awarding 10 winners and 10 highly commended. Lorraine came away winning FA National football award championing diversity in refereeing award.
Read the full article here.
Lorraine said:
“I’ve refereed most years at the Kent Disability Football League and men’s, women’s, girls, boys and walking football – 11 a-side and small sided. I am extremely honoured to receive this award.”
In July The Kent football community gathered at the Priestfield Stadium for the Annual Kent FA Grassroots Workforce Awards. The ceremony highlighted the roles that volunteers play in the Kent grassroots game, recognising their dedication, passion, and unwavering support that sustains football communities across the county. It was a recognition of the selfless efforts of all those unpaid volunteers involved in grassroots football that make a significant impact.
It was therefore fitting that the efforts of Lorraine over the past 20 years were rewarded with her being presented with the Keeping Football Positive Award.
This award celebrates the power of football to improve others’ lives. and make a big difference in the community.
Read the full article here.
Recognition for Lorraine’s efforts did not stop there as winners of regional FA Grassroots Workforce Awards were then considered by The FA for a National Award. The FA recognised the years of dedication Lorraine has shown using football as an inclusive power for good within her community awarding her The FA’s National Grassroots Volenteer Award for Keeping Football Positive.
Lorraine was presented with her award at Wembley at the Community Shield where Manchester United took on Manchester City. This was a great celebration where ex-players including Faye White, Rachel Yankee, Martin Keown, Emile Heskey and Sol Campbell, gathered at the award ceremony in honour of the efforts of all the National Awards winners.
As winner she was privileged to carry out the Community Shield at the start of the game.
We are all very proud of Lorraine and everything she had done for Stones in the community and Maidstone United as well as the lives she has helped improve through football over many years; her awards are very well deserved.
Congratulations Lorraine from all your friends and colleagues at Stones in the community and Maidstone United
