There was a notable double for Knebworth Youth at the Herts FA annual presentation to Charter Standard Clubs in Hertfordshire. Knebworth picked up two awards – the Charter Standard club of the year and Steve Cook for the coach of the year. Coach of the ye

There was a notable double for Knebworth Youth at the Herts FA annual presentation to Charter Standard Clubs in Hertfordshire.

Knebworth picked up two awards - the Charter Standard club of the year and Steve Cook for the coach of the year.

Coach of the year Cook encourages players of all abilities as well as fair play and sportsmanship.

He is the club's website administrator and has also researched and helped put together a five-year plan for the club.

Cook has taken his coaching skills and given free tuition to the local school as an after-school club.

As the club's training officer, he is always offering support, advice and guidance to other coaches in the club, making this available through the website.

James Borrie, chairman of Knebworth Youth, said: "Steve is beyond all doubt a first-class coach, and a credit to youth football."

Knebworth also scooped the Charter Standard club of the year award.

This followed a trophy-laden pre-season and season which included two county cup semi-finalist teams this season, at under-12s and under-14s, along with several teams challenging in their respective leagues, and two league cup winners.

The club can also boast a number of players training with local academies and pro clubs.

With the provision of free, weekly coaching sessions for Year Three and Year Four children at the village school, the club has further enhanced its role within the community by establishing a formal club/school link.

Knebworth support the growth of girls' football by offering weekly training sessions and taking part in Herts FA festivals, as well as organising ad hoc friendly fixtures.

Coaching courses and a refereeing programme are also important factors for the club.

As with several other clubs, Knebworth have already taken steps towards making the game of football a more enjoyable experience for all that participate.

This includes mini-soccer teams already providing secondary spectator lines away from the actual touchline and this policy has been extended to 11-a-side teams.