#BBFAStars is about recognising the inspirational work of volunteers across the county all-year-round.

It’s a way for us, as the County FA, to say ‘Thank You’. Thank you for all your time, effort and relentless dedication to the game across Berks & Bucks FA. It’s also a way for your peers, your friends, fellow volunteers and local communities to recognise the people, often in the background, that help keep their clubs & leagues alive, week-in & week-out.

The roles we celebrate in #BBFAStars are not always in the spotlight, but the people that take them on often do so through a love of the game.

#BBFAStars is not only about recognising their individual efforts but also about showing you a side of the game that you don’t often see.

Here, Michael Donnelly of Chalfont Saints talks about why he does what he does, and what it means to be a Club Treasurer. Asked first, what it feels like to be our winner, Michael said;

"Really, really pleased.  Genuinely didn’t expect it.  Nice to have recognition for a ‘behind the scenes’ role at the club, and whilst it’s got my name on it, it does feel like one of those awards that isn’t just for me, it’s for the club and definitely reflects work put in by my predecessors too – I’ve had an excellent set up to pick up from!"

The role of a Treasurer is to ensure that the club stays financially sustainable, pay all expenses, and collect any monies owed to the club.

"I’ve been involved at the club for a few years - I coach the u12 girls team and have been on the club committee for 2 years or so. I’m really keen that the club is a success and that we’re able to maximise the opportunity for all our members - from our men’s team, our boys teams, our girls team, and the large inclusive group – to have fun, get fit and play football.  In my day job, I’m a chartered accountant, and hen the previous Treasurer announced that he was standing down, I found it hard not offer my skills, experience and training to the club.  I really enjoy working in my various roles for the club - I’ve loved football my whole life, and it is great to be able to contribute to help make the club a success."

Getting involved with your football club in a role behind the scenes can bring a lot of satisfaction and open the doors to new experiences & opportunities; from seeing both the club and people around you grow & succeed to meeting new, passionate people along the way.

For those people thinking about becoming involved in the sport and perhaps in the Treasurer role, Michael has this message: "Don’t be scared to put your hand up if you’ve got the skills and experience to help out in a non-football role in the club! 

"As Treasurer you can make an enormous difference to what happens on and off the pitch & whilst there are some busy periods (I’m in the middle of subs for the 2024/25 season right now), the rewards outweigh any negatives!"

To find out more about the awards, and how to nominate, visit #BBFAStars - alternatively, keep your eyes peeled on our Instagram account for the nomination posts to appear throughout the season.

If you would like to find out more about the types of volunteer roles available in grassroots football or about becoming a club secretary and working with your local club, please contact a member of the team via email, or call on 01235544890 for an informal conversation.