A TIRELESS football club secretary is celebrating after having his efforts rewarded.

Donald Glasson, from Tiptree-based Torquespeed FC, has been named Grassroots Volunteer of the Year in the FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards in Essex.

The 50-year-old admitted feeling proud but humbled and said news of his achievement was “mindblowing”.

“I was so pleased just to be nominated,” said Mr Glasson, who lives in Blue Road, Tiptree.

“To then receive another email saying I had won was mindblowing.

“I couldn’t take it in and feel so proud but at the same time humbled.

“I’ve since found out there were two separate nominations from committee members at the club and I thank them for taking the time to put my name forward.

“I’d also like to thank my wife, Lisa.

“She’s given me so much support and always stood by me, which I know hasn’t always been easy when so much of my time is taken up by club duties.”

After moving to Tiptree in 2004, Mr Glasson became aware of Torquespeed FC the following year when he and Lisa took five-year-old son Jared to a football group for youngsters called Scallywags.

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Mr Glasson started helping out before being encouraged to take on a team the following season.

It was the start of the Torquespeed Lightning team, which he managed from under-sevens though to under-11s, between 2006 and 2011.

“Sadly, the team folded but I wanted to remain with the club, which I now had such a connection with,” he said.

“I took on the unenviable task of club secretary, which is where I’ve been ever since.

“Many will say I do a lot more and that’s probably true, with my other roles being fixture secretary, Covid-19 officer and more recently interim kit manager.

“Both of my children, Jared, now 21, and Kayla, 17, have also helped coach teams so it’s been a family venture.

“I’d like to thank everyone past and present at the club who have stepped forward to volunteer.

“I’ve seen many come and go but without volunteers, there’s no club. I hope many more come forward in the future to give their time and serve the community.”