A COMPETITION allowing junior football teams throughout the area to nominate their unsung heroes has been pushed back due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Organised by branded products and clothing specialist Recognition Express, the organisers have extended the deadline for U16 junior and juvenile football clubs to nominate their club stalwarts.

The prize is a brand- new strip for the whole team next season and the extended deadline for free online entry is now April 30.

The Recognition Express franchise has local branches across Cheshire and Wirral each run by owner operators who play an active part in the communities they serve.

Nigel Toplis, managing director of Recognition Express: “Our annual Unsung Heroes competition is a fantastic way to recognise those who support junior football clubs. In these unprecedented times we appreciate that clubs need all the help they can get, which is why we are extending the deadline for entries.

“Anyone who goes over and above for the club can be nominated; from coaches and caretakers to club secretaries and groundsmen, anyone whose selflessness and commitment allows girls and boys to enjoy football in a safe, friendly and welcoming environment.

"With club sponsorship hard to come by in the best of times and with the added financial pressure facing mums and dads at the moment, Recognition Express wants to offer local teams the chance to start next season on a high note with in a brand new strip, in a design of their choosing.”

Mr Toplis added: “As specialists in recognition products, promotional items and branded clothing, it makes sense for us to combine donating a new team strip to a local junior football clubs whilst recognising an unsung hero.

"It gives us the chance to recognise the contribution these unsung heroes make and give something back to the communities our franchisees serve.”

Anyone can nominate a junior football club hero. The competition is open to all under 16’s junior and juvenile football clubs in England and Scotland.

To enter visit https://www.recognition-express.com/nominate-football-hero and complete the entry form.

The competition closes on Thursday, April 30 and the winner will be announced from Monday, May 11.