The 2023 Kent FA Grassroots Workforce Awards held at the Ashford International Hotel & Spa

The winners of the Kent FA Grassroots Workforce Awards have been announced.

A celebration of the individuals who make a difference to the county game took place at the Ashford International Hotel & Spa last Thursday night.

Kent FA chief executive Darryl Haden said: “It was an incredible evening.

“Congratulations to all our fantastic award winners and everyone who received a nomination this year.

“We would also like to say a special thank you to our event partner, Bellway, for their incredible support of these awards.

“Lastly, thank you to everyone who made a nomination this year. Without you, we wouldn’t have a platform to celebrate all the incredible achievements of our local grassroots volunteers.”

It was a successful night for Bearsted husband-and-wife duo Kevin and Lesley Stevens.

The grassroots ground team of the year gong was won by Kevin while Lesley collected the new volunteer of the year award, having stepped up to replace popular stalwart Roy Benton, who died last year, as their club secretary.

With Kevin unable to attend the event, which was compered by TalkSport presenter Charlotte Richardson, Lesley said: “It will mean a lot to him.

“He’s retired now and just loves doing what he does. The more people comment, the harder he works.

“We’re lucky. Our children are all grown up now so we’re at home on our own, retired.

“Bearsted really is a lovely ground. It’s a pleasure to do what we do for people.”

The female pathway coach of the year award winner was Headcorn’s Josh Harrowell.

“I’m very flattered to be honest,” he said.

“I wasn’t expecting the nomination - let alone to win! I’m really happy.

“All the ladies that have played, most of them have got kids in the club now and some of them I coached in a younger age