Tireless volunteer earns accolade from Football League
Tim Hillyer’s dedication to AFC Wimbledon since the club’s rebirth has been recognised by the Football League.
Tim, who has played a vital role as a volunteer in our merchandising team since the early days, was announced as one of 72 “Club Heroes” at the Football League awards.
The accolades were part of the Tokio Marine Kiln Club Hero Award at Sunday’s 10th annual FL ceremony, with Birmingham City’s Brian Murphy selected as the overall winner.
The awards recognised the roles played by staff at clubs throughout the league, highlighting work behind the scenes that often going unnoticed. All clubs were asked to nominate one member of staff to be recognised for their loyal and dedicated service off the pitch. Those selected covered a variety of roles showing the many different aspects of a professional football club, and included employees that have been involved with their club for over 10 years.
Tim (pictured right with Michael Padmanathan when the pair helped send old Wimbledon kits to Sri Lanka) has been involved with the merchandising team from the very start of AFC Wimbledon. Prior to AFC Wimbledon taking ownership of the current ground, there was no club shop and replica shirts, souvenirs and memorabilia had to be sold from the stage on the back bar before games. There was also a “Wombulance” in operation for away days in the Combined Counties League.
Each of the 72 people nominated received a special commemorative glass plaque to mark their inclusion in the list. It was the first time that every one of the 72 Football League clubs received an honour, as part of a special way to mark the 10th year of the event.
Drew Barrand, Marketing Director of The Football League, said: “The Football League Awards 2015 provided not just the opportunity to recognise star performances, both on and off the pitch over the last year, but also the chance to celebrate the last 10 years of the event.”
Dons left-back Ben Harrison was nominated for the final three in the League Football Education (LFE) Apprentice of the Year for League 2. Conor Chaplin from Portsmouth was chosen as the winner for League 2.