Ex Broadoak student wins regional FA Award

A former Broadoak Academy student has won a prestigious award from the Somerset FA – the second year in a row her club has won a county accolade.

Beth Cottle studied at Broadoak and Weston College before moving on to Gloucester University, but retains strong ties with Uphill Juniors FC, which is based at Broadoak.

And it was her work with Uphill which has now seen Bath named Young Volunteer of the Year by the county FA.

This makes it a successful double for the club, after Uphill Juniors FC was named Somerset’s Grassroots Club of the Year in the 2021-22 season.

Beth said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have won the 2023 Young Volunteer of the Year Award from the Somerset County FA. I couldn’t believe it when I found out I had been nominated, so to win the award is very special.

“While it’s never been my aim to win awards for the work that I do – I do it because I love it and want to make a difference – it’s certainly been a boost to my confidence that people are pleased with the training and coaching sessions that I’ve delivered.”

Carina Ridge, Vice Principal at Broadoak Academy, said the school takes pride from seeing Beth’s work recognised with this award.

She said: “We at Broadoak Academy and Uphill FC are so proud of this young woman who has been giving up her time from the moment the club formed to give opportunities to children in Weston-super-Mare.”