U's shortlisted for family club of the Year, with Rosie an Unsung hero
Oxford United have been shortlisted for two awards at the prestigious Football League Awards 2013
The awards celebrate the achievements of Football League clubs across eight categories, and the winners will be announced at the Gala ceremony at The Brewery, London on Sunday 24th March 2013.
The first award United have been shortlisted for is the Family Club of the Year. The U's have been commended for their work in this area in each of the previous two years, winning the League Two award in 2011, and are among six clubs nominated in this category this season.
The second award is for the league's Unsung Hero, which will be presented to someone who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes at their club for many years, perhaps not receiving the recognition that they deserve. We are delighted to announce that Peter Rhoades-Brown, the club's Community Officer is in the final three in this category.
Peter first came to the club as a player in 1984 but since hanging up his boots has inspired thousands of youngsters across Oxfordshire to play football and come along and support Oxford United. He told us:
"It's very humbling. I had no idea that I was even being put forward so to make the shortlist is amazing. The Youth and Community Trust work very hard and being recognised in this way is a reward for all the hard work that everyone does. I am very fortunate to do a job that I love and to work with some amazing colleagues and children all across the county. I'm sure it will be a great event and to even be mentioned for this award is fantastic."
Richard Heaselgrave, Chief Commercial Officer at The Football League, said: “The Football League Awards are a great way to celebrate the work that goes on behind the scenes at each club, as well as the action that has taken place on the pitch each week.
“To make these shortlists is a real achievement, bearing in mind how many and the quality of the entries we’ve had once again. I would like to wish all those nominated the best of luck and we look forward to announcing the winners on the evening.”
The shortlists were drawn up by a panel of judges on 5th February 2013, following a stringent assessment process. Judges included influential members of media, sports industry figures and representatives of The Football League and its partners.
The shortlisted awards are :
Family Club of the Year
AFC Bournemouth
Brighton & Hove Albion
Cardiff City
Doncaster Rovers
Oxford United
Plymouth Argyle
Coca-Cola Community Club of the Year
Cardiff City (Cardiff City Community & Education Foundation) - South West & Wales
Charlton Athletic (Charlton Athletic Community Trust) - South East
Derby County (Derby County in the Community) - Midlands
Huddersfield Town (Huddersfield Town Football In The Community) - North East
Tranmere Rovers (Tranmere Rovers In The Community) - North West
Perform Best Use of Digital:
Birmingham City
Bristol City
Crystal Palace
Leeds United
Plymouth Argyle
Swindon Town
Tokio Marine Unsung Hero Award
John Harriss - AFC Bournemouth
Billy Neil - Millwall
Peter Rhoades-Brown - Oxford United
PFA Player in the Community
Inigo Calderon – Brighton & Hove Albion
Alan Lee – Huddersfield Town
Mark Roberts – Stevenage
LFE Apprentice of the Year – Championship
Dimitar Evtimar - Nottingham Forest
Duane Holmes - Huddersfield Town
Bernard Mensah - Watford
LFE Apprentice of the Year – League 1
Luke James – Hartlepool United
George Willis – Sheffield United
Drey Wright – Colchester United
LFE Apprentice of the Year – League 2
James Allen – Rochdale
Tyler Harvey – Plymouth Argyle
George Sykes – Barnet
There will also be awards on the night for the Mitre Goal of the Year, Football Manager Outstanding Managerial Achievement Award, npower Fan of the Year, npower Player of the Year for the Championship, League 1 and League 2, Johnstone’s Paint Young Player of the Year, and Contribution to League Football.
To find out more about The Football League Awards, and for a full list of Award categories visit www.FLAwards.com.