The phenomenon that is Emma Vase has been involved with AFC Oakley for around 13 years, and as club secretary for the last 9-10. Her role is basically to keep all of us in line with the requirements of Beds FA, multiple local leagues and stakeholders, ensuring that our week in week practices are safe and compliant, and we are all up to date with all the things that make us a charter standard club. Think of Emma as the silent force keeping 60 odd coaches in check, and 400 odd players enjoying football. And not always silent when we get out of line.

Quite unfairly on the OAKS (she’s ours right ?!), Emma has spread her wings in recent years to take on additional roles with the Chiltern Youth League, and also the FA on their Judicial Appeals Board, bringing her skills to a wider environment, and in turn gaining additional perspective and experience that benefits us as a club.

Well finally, the powers that be have woken up to all this…and in September 22nd at the Grassroots Football Awards, Emma received her VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR award! An amazing but richly deserved accolade for someone that works so tirelessly for all of us, week after week, season after season.

Congratulations Emma ! You’ve smashed it