ERNIE Land believes his FA prize reflects the achievements of his entire team.
The Grimsby Town Disabilities manager was named Volunteer of the Year by the Football Association at a ceremony last month.
It capped off a stellar year for Land, who watched his side clinch another Lincolnshire Ability Counts League title in 2012/2013.
The Mariners also beat Everton in the 2010/2011 national final, regaining that competition for the first time since defeating Chelsea in 2000.
Since joining the Lincolnshire circuit in 2007, after initially competing in Yorkshire, Land and his team have scooped no fewer than nine trophies.
Now honoured for his part in that success, Land was quick to praise his team and the set-up at Grimsby Town.
He said: "It's not just an award for me, but it recognises the work we have done at the club over the last 10-12 years.
"Grimsby is known for having one of the best disabilities set-ups.
"It is hard for us with the lack of funding, but that is just a sign of the times – we make do with what we have, and winning the cup capped off a great season.
"It's great to win the award, but it's not why I'm involved.
"We have had great success over the years – but we never aim for the trophies.
"We aim to have fun, and anything else that comes along is a bonus."
Land now runs the Grimsby team along with his son Jason, a former player who now heads up the coaching staff.
Jason added: "It's a good place for people with disabilities to play football.
"Not only that, we are recognised as being one of the leading clubs – we take pride in developing our players socially, as well as on the field.
"We used to play 11 aside, but switching to sevens helped people become more involved in the game.
"It is all action for the players, as the games tend to be about getting on the ball and playing rather than getting tied up with tactics.
"Our players enjoy being part of the team, and the staff we have are fully committed."
If you would like to sponsor Grimsby Town Disabilities FC, or help the club arrange transport ahead of the new season, contact Ernie Land on 01472 505787.
