Derbyshire FA presented October’s Unsung Hero Award to Jeff Clarke of Alfreton Town FC

Jeff Clarke has volunteered at his local club, National League North outfit Alfreton Town FC, since 1980. His service and dedication both on matchdays and out of season are vital for the club in providing a safe, welcoming environment for all. Jeff is a turnstile operator on matchdays, and he also looks after matchday officials as they arrive at the Impact Arena. Outside of the season, Jeff helps with general maintenance at the club, such as painting and decorating. Jeff is always on hand to support the club in any way possible.

His commitments to the community stretch far past football. He is a Trustee at Riddings Church of Christ and has roles at OSCARI Food Pantry and Alfreton Male Voice Choir. A well-respected member of his locality, Jeff is most deserving of Derbyshire FA’s Unsung Hero Award.

The Unsung Hero Award is a newly introduced campaign for 2023/24 – Derbyshire FA’s 140^th Year. The campaign is all about identifying and celebrating the individuals that make football happen in Derbyshire. The people that volunteer hours of their free time for the benefit of others and go under the radar. A new Unsung Hero is unveiled each month by Derbyshire FA. The winner receives a customised giftbox created by gift specialists Colleague Box, aptly named ‘A Taste of Derbyshire’, which contains a variety of items included branded merchandise, food, drinks and more. September’s winner was Mark Frost, Secretary of Ilkeston Town FC.

On Saturday 4th November, Thomas Crabtree, Alex Walker (Derbyshire FA officials) and Natalie Bamford (Co-founder of Colleague Box) attended Alfreton Town’s FA Cup First Round Proper fixture against Worthing to surprise Jeff Clarke with a half-time presentation of the award on the pitch.

Jeff was surprised and delighted to receive the award, and in typical volunteer fashion, quickly took a look at the giftbox before putting it safely aside to continue his matchday duties for the rest of the game.

Wayne Bradley, Chairman of Alfreton Town said: “Thank you Jeff for your week-in, week-out dedication to Alfreton Town Football Club. Your contribution is outstanding and allows us to provide a quality matchday experience for all in attendance.”

The day was made even better for Jeff Clarke and Alfreton Town, as the Reds marched on to a 2-0 victory to progress to the FA Cup Second Round Proper for the first team in 11 years.

If you know someone that dedicates their all to grassroots football like Jeff, you can nominate them for Derbyshire FA’s Unsung Hero Award here.