Staffordshire FA Reward Julie Mirowski for Newcastle Town Female Pathway

The 2026 Staffordshire FA Awards honoured several women, including Julie Mirowski of Newcastle Town.

The Lioness Award was given to Julie Mirowski, who has been the driving force behind the growth and development of women’s and girls’ football at Newcastle Town over the past 12–18 months.

Joining the club as a Director, she made the female pathway a clear strategic priority and led significant progress across all areas of provision.

Through her leadership, the club successfully recruited two new teams and secured the women’s first team at Tier 6, ensuring a sustainable and credible pathway for the 2025/26 season.

Julie also established a dedicated Women’s Football Committee, creating focus, accountability, and long-term ambition for the women’s and girls’ section.

The Bobby Moore Award went to Jane Dyson, the Chasetown Youth General Secretary of almost a decade.

She supports over 100 managers, oversees more than 60 teams, and helps provide football opportunities for over 1,000 children.

Female Coach of the Year goes to Charlie Awde of Leek Town FC Girls, who is widely recognised for her positivity, encouragement, and strong team culture.

Charlie’s impact has been praised not only by parents but also by opposition coaches, who describe her as an inspirational and exemplary coach. Her approach, attitude, and influence make her a valued role model and a positive ambassador for the game.

Disability Coach of the Year was won by Nicola Cook of Wyrley Juniors FC.

Since taking on the role, Nic has doubled the size of the disability section, increasing county league teams from four to eight and growing participation from around 40 to nearly 100 young people with disabilities.

Young Volunteer of the Year was presented to Laila Bowcock-Gayle from the Staffordshire FA Youth Council.

Laila is an outstanding young leader and an active member of the Staffordshire Youth Engagement Team, playing a key role in ensuring the voices of young people are heard within grassroots football.

She earned national recognition at the Grassroots Football Awards [held during the 2026 Community Shield Final, Cardiff] celebrating an exceptional young volunteer whose leadership is making a lasting difference to grassroots football.

New Volunteer of the Year is Amy Taylor of Coven Vixen United, where she is the administrative lead, playing a central role in ensuring the team operates smoothly and safely.

She is widely regarded as indispensable, with the team describing that they would struggle to function without her.

Positive Behaviour Award went to Nicky Bryant of Wheaton Aston Juniors FC.

Nicky plays a key role in ensuring the club operates smoothly and safely for everyone involved. She makes sure all players, parents, and volunteers have the information they need, is always available to support the club, and consistently prioritise the wellbeing and safety of all children.

Club of the Year, Stone Old Alleynians, are an outstanding community football club, delivering an exceptional breadth of provision and measurable social impact well beyond that of a typical grassroots club.

Staffordshire FA Chief Executive Officer, Adam Evans, said: “The Staffordshire Football Awards celebrate the remarkable people who make football happen across our county.

“Behind every team, every match and every opportunity to take part are people who share their time, energy and care with others. Everyone recognised plays a valued part in our game, with a contribution that reaches far beyond the pitch, creating friendships, building confidence and helping people feel they belong.”