Elmore v Elburton Villa 1 | Page 29

Elburton Villa Oct12_Layout 1 11/10/2013 16:43 Page 29 BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT – Jed enjoys his day at Buckingham Palace Elmore Football Club Chairman, Jed Hewitt mixed with royalty last Monday (October 7). Jed was at the Palace at the invitation of HRH The Duke of Cambridge, President of the Football Association on the occasion of the FAs 150th Anniversary, to attend the FA Grassroots Heroes reception at Buckingham Palace at which he was commemorated for his outstanding contribution to football. boasts more than 200 playing members, fields 16 teams on a weekly basis during the season, and has FA Charter Standard Community Status – the highest level of recognition a club can be given on the FA Charter Standard club development pathway. Football Association chairman Greg Dyke welcomed the guests who were then addressed by HRH The Duke of Cambridge. The Grassroots heroes were then presented with medals before sitting down to lunch. A few years ago Jed took on the position of Football and Social Club chairman of Elmore FC at a time when they were struggling on and off the pitch. Jed attended the reception with his wife Caroline. Jed was voted the regional award winner in the FA Community Awards 2013, and represented the South West in the national final alongside seven other regional winners. The grassroots hero was decided by a public vote and the winner was announced at Wembley Stadium before the FA Community Shield match between Manchester United and Wigan Athletic in August. Sadly Jed did not win. Mainly as a result of his hard work and long hours he committed to developing Elmore FC, the club has turned itself around with both improved facilities and results on the pitch. And the future now looks very rosy. Jed has been involved with grass roots football in Tiverton for 15 years. Elmore now boasts a newly refurnished clubhouse with top outdoor and indoor facilities, and the introduction of a more structured player-pathway, meaning the club’s teams are more competitive. He was the driving force in the development of Moors Youth FC as a founding member, club secretary, chairman and now president. Moors Youth now Jed strives to provide a safe and fun environment for everyone in the local community to enjoy football, and fully deserves this honour. 29