TEENAGE referee Chloe Smart was the big winner at the Oxfordshire FA awards evening, as she was named the Doug Watts young referee and young volunteer of the year awards.

The 16-year-old coaches the Under 11 side at the Batt School, in her home town of Witney, alongside being a local youth football officer.

She also chairs the OFA youth council, in addition to her role as an aspiring match official, with hopes of stepping up to Hellenic League level next season.

Former Aston Villa manager John Gregory was present to hand out the awards at the Four Pillars Hotel in Witney, with more than 100 people in attendance.

The double honour meant it was an evening to savour for Smart.

She said: “It was just overwhelming more than anything, I couldn’t believe it.

“John Gregory was there presenting the awards and he turned to me afterwards and said, ‘what is this, the Chloe Smart show?’ “I wasn’t really expecting it, so it was great.

“I’d had my nomination for Young Volunteer through the post, but it wasn’t until about a week before the awards that I knew I was up for the young referee award as well.”

Bicester coach Jamie Cassidy picked up the coach of the year award, while Easington Sports stalwart Richard Meadows was named volunteer of the year.

Long-serving Chesterton official Steve Honey was rewarded for his 20 years of service to the club with the outstanding contribution to grassroots football award.

Watlington Town were also named south east charter standard club of the year by the FA, putting them in the running for the national award, which will be announced later this month.

ROLL OF HONOUR

Doug Watts young referee of the year: Chloe Smart.

Club welfare officer of the year: Mark Lynas.

Coach of the year: Jamie Cassidy.

Groundsman of the year: Trevor Woodington.

Adult league respect award: Banbury District and Lord Jersey FA.

Youth league respect award: Witney and District Youth League.

Team respect award: Oxford City Under 11 Blues.

Young volunteer of the year: Chloe Smart.

Volunteer of the year: Richard Meadows.

Charter standard league of the year: Oxfordshire Invitation Youth League.

Charter standard club of the year: Watlington Town.

Charter standard development club of the year: Chalgrove Cavaliers.

Charter standard community club of the year: Thame Football Partnership.

Outstanding contribution to grassroots football: Steve Honey.