Norma Hatfield is the manager of Nottinghamshire Sunday League team Legion FC. Last week Norma turned 70 and is still coaching with the same enthusiasm and passion as when she started out in grassroots football.

On Thursday 20^th February (Norma’s 70^th Birthday!) we were delighted to attend Legion FC’s training session to present Norma with a special recognition award.

Norma has been a manager/coach in Nottinghamshire for almost 25 years. This started with setting up a team called the Outlaws following the folding of a team her son played for. That went on for a few seasons, then Norma took over Mansfield AFC and George Street FC in 2008. She has since managed The Half Moon, Heath Hill Reserves and now Legion FC. She is also on the committee for the Nottinghamshire Sunday League. Norma has been involved in over 1000 games in a manager/coach capacity in Nottinghamshire over the last 25 years and has never missed a game!

Norma’s commitment to her teams and players is clear for all to see. Norma is a real trailblazer and a real role model when it comes to women and girls wanting to get into football and football management.

Speaking to Norma’s players it is clear that what makes Norma really stand out is the personal relationships Norma has created with her players and the way she treats people. Norma’s impact on people and her contribution to grassroots football is such an inspiring story.

Our thanks to Wayne Sellers of Legion FC for making us aware of Norma’s story, and for inviting us to their training session.

Do you or your club have an inspiring story to tell us? Let us know and we could present a special recognition award to someone who has made/makes an outstanding contribution to grassroots football in Nottinghamshire. Let us know by emailing: Connor.Ball@nottinghamshirefa.com