Success keeps spotlight on Hillmen

After being unveiled as this year's winners back in May, the Hillmen were presented with their accolade at Derbyshire County FA’s 2016-17 Awards Night.

Held at the Derbyshire Hotel on Friday night (July 28), the event saw volunteers, coaches and clubs from across the county honoured in more than 20 categories for their efforts over the last 12 months.

Guests, including Paralympian Sam Ruddock, heard how the EVO-STIK League North club's senior set-up and ladies and juniors had all continued to build on their significant growth and success over the last three years including reaching the 2015 FA Vase Final and winning promotion to the EVO-STIK League.

Thanks to the contributions made by staff, players, volunteers, supporters and sponsors last season, the Hillmen boasted a total of 465 registered players playing in 39 teams, the roll-call including eight female teams with more than 100 girls and ladies.

The proud Hillmen also saw Glossop North End AFC Juniors coach Ben Mills steal the limelight when he was honoured as 2017 National FA Coach of the Year after collecting the county and regional accolades.

Mills said: “I was asked on stage how many people will ever be able to say they are a national winner. I guess at that stage my awards for Derbyshire FA, the Region and National Coach of the Year sunk in. I would like to thank everyone at Derbyshire FA for getting me to this.

“Their support for Glossop North End Juniors, mentoring programmes, investment in coach development has helped me achieve this and I am proud to represent Derbyshire FA. The awards evening was brilliant and I was honoured to be presented the award in front of so many people dedicated to junior football in the region, they are all heroes.”

Derbyshire County FA CEO Dawn Heron said: "The Annual Awards evening is a testament to the volunteers within football who help the County FA and motivate others to take part in the game we are all passionate about. To see the winners accepting their awards and sharing their stories with others from around the county was inspirational."

Images courtesy of derbyshirefa.com & @DerbyshireFA/Twitter

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