Sportsmatch award winners announced

Watford Football Club Community Sports and Education Trust has been announced as the best overall grassroots scheme at the Sportsmatch awards.

The annual awards recognise excellence in schemes across the UK which harness investment from private companies by matching their contribution through Sportsmatch.

The Watford FC social inclusion football project was singled out by the judges. The scheme is a two-year programme which targets young offenders and other vulnerable groups.

Project co-ordinator Rob Smith said: "We are absolutely delighted. Without the support of our sponsors we would not have been able to run this football project which includes twilight football, inter-estate leagues, holiday courses, ”rookie” coach development and junior citizen schemes.

Emily Ablett, events and sponsorship executive at Total UK, said: “We are honoured to be able to sponsor this scheme and are thrilled to receive this prestigious award.

"It is great recognition of what is a fantastic initiative encouraging more young people from vulnerable backgrounds to participate in football and helps in tackling social issues as well as providing avenues to find the sporting stars of the future.”

The five category winners were: Women and girls – West Hertfordshire Hockey Club, sponsored by Gilbert Chartered Accountants; Youth – Tennis for Free, sponsored by American Express; Community – Watford FC, sponsored by Total UK; Schools – England and Wales Cricket Board, sponsored by NatWest; Disability – Federation of Disability Sports Organisations, sponsored by RWE npower.