The annual FA Grassroots Awards for 2021 has brought success to Newton Aycliffe Youth FC Secretary, Berni Borsberry, as he was awarded runner up in the Volunteer of the Year award for Durham FA.
Nominations were received for many volunteers, from all affiliated clubs and leagues across the County. A panel of judges then sifted through all the nominations to decide the most deserved recipients for this prestigious award.
Berni started as a parent helper with the football club in 1997 and, after getting his coaching badges, took over his first team in 2000. Then in 2005 he took on the role of Secretary, but still kept up the coaching and running of teams. In his tenure as Secretary, he has seen the club grow, overseeing the start and the huge increase in girls football and the increase in boys teams.
The club now has thriving development sections for boys and girls, starting at 4 years old and offers adult teams for both men and women.
Berni stated, “I wasn’t aware that I had been nominated until I was contacted by Durham FA to let me know that I had received an award. The roles I do within the football club are very rewarding, as I see all the children and adults enjoying playing the game they love. I know the club is very much a part of the Newton Aycliffe community”.