‘Fantastic’ volunteers at ever-growing Wellingborough football club nominated for FA Grassroots awards
Leaders at Wellingborough Whitworth FC have been nominated for a handful of accolades at the 2026 FA Grassroots Awards, which takes place this summer.
The Flourmen, as they are commonly referred to due to the ties between the club and Whitworth flour mill, is currently home to 23 teams of different ages and abilities, and some of its leaders have been recognised for their efforts in coaching, and leadership.
Wellingborough Whitworth FC is nominated for Club of the Year, as well as coaches Dev Ellwood, Tom Wood, Wes Barnes, Chris Jones, Mitch Leeson, Michael Dryden, and Lewis English (Male Pathway Coach of the Year), and Rob Bird and Allan Levene (Female Pathway Coach of the Year).
James Mallows is also nominated for Grounds Team of the Year for his work on the team’s multiple pitches in London Road, Wellingborough.
Also among the nominees includes Danny Flowers, the club’s youth chairman for the Bobby Moore Award, given to the coach or leaders who ‘represents the best of grassroots football’.
He said: “Across grassroots all the coaches are volunteers, so these awards are recognition for all the hard work they do year round, from under 6 to the first team.
“It’s good for them to see that all that hard work is appreciated. The awards are a great opportunity for the people and the club to be recognised.
“We’re a community first club, but to be a community, that stems beyond just being a football club.”
Wellingborough Whitworth FC is continuing to grow with almost two dozen teams currently at the club. The youth teams have been creating opportunities for children from under 6s through to under 18s to play grassroots football, growing in confidence and ability in what leaders call ‘a family vibe community.’
Youth football is an essential feeder system for the men’s first team, with many rising through the ranks to become valued parts of the team which currently sits ninth in division one of the Spartan South Midlands Football League.
Danny added: “For us as a youth section it’s really important that there’s a clear pathway for a kid to go from under 6s, and when they get to under-18s, the club gives them the opportunity to stay here.
“It’s so unusual for youth players to have any connection with the first team and to speak to them. The kids idolise the first team, that’s the aspiration, and for them to be able to walk out with them is quite an unusual thing. It continues to enforce that family atmosphere.
“You’re not just teaching them how to play football, you’re shaping them as an individual.”
Martin Goodes, the club’s chairman added: “Yesterday when the first team were playing we had 16 mascots, so you’ve got their parents coming down as well, and it makes the atmosphere a lot better.”
The Northamptonshire FA Grassroots Award winners will be announced at a ceremony on Friday, July 24, at the Manor Suite in Geddington Road, Corby.