NEWTON Abbot Town Council was represented at this year’s Devon Football Family Awards as the county came together to celebrate the volunteers, clubs and individuals who make grassroots football possible.

Held at Exeter’s Sandy Park on July 17, the annual awards recognised the outstanding contributions of leagues, clubs, match officials, volunteers and community organisations from across Devon.

Organised by Devon County FA, the event celebrated the dedication, inclusion and passion that continue to strengthen the game throughout the county.

Representing Newton Abbot Town Council, Projects & Strategy Officer Pierre Doutreligne had the honour of presenting the Community Engagement Award to the University of Exeter.

The award, presented to the university’s Women’s Football captain Isobel Smith, recognised the university’s outstanding work in using football to engage with communities and promote the wider social benefits of the game.

The presentation reflected the Town Council’s continued support for initiatives that strengthen communities, most notably through its Community Engagement Group, which Devon FA Chief Executive Chris French addressed last year, leading to an ongoing collaboration.

A total of forty awards were presented during the evening, including the England Football Grassroots Football Awards, Devon Football Family Awards and long service recognition for referees.

The ceremony also introduced the new Stepping Over The Sidelines Award, recognising two young volunteers who have already made a significant impact within the Devon football community.

Among the evening’s highest honours, Maria Spencer of Torquay Academy Sports Trust and Devon County FA received the England Football Lioness Award, while Ashley Lowe of Braunton FC collected the Bobby Moore Award.

Devon County FA’s Under-16 Girls’ representative team was also recognised following a historic season that included an unprecedented treble and the county’s first national honour for a female representative team.

Guests also heard from Exeter City manager Matt Taylor and Plymouth Argyle Director of Football Derek Adams, who spoke about the vital connection between grassroots and professional football.

Both highlighted how local clubs, volunteers and community football provide the foundations on which the wider game is built.

Chris French praised the thousands of volunteers who give their time to football across the county, saying their commitment often goes unseen but is fundamental to creating opportunities for others.

Chairman John Street added that the record number of nominations demonstrated the strength and continued growth of football across Devon, despite the unique challenges faced by clubs and volunteers.

The Community Engagement Award presented by Newton Abbot Town Council formed part of a wider evening that recognised excellence across every aspect of grassroots football, from coaching and safeguarding to facilities, refereeing and environmental initiatives.

The awards served as a reminder that while success on the pitch is important, the dedication of volunteers and community organisations remains the driving force behind football’s lasting impact across Devon.