Grassroots Football Awards 2023
Most of all, they’re a time for us to say a huge thank you to those amazing people who inspire us all with a prestigious national awards ceremony where we can all come together.
This season, our volunteers have worked hard to show the true power of football in connecting people, in building communities and enabling more players to enjoy playing our beautiful game.
Let’s show them how much we appreciate their effort, commitment and impact.
How the awards work
The awards are split into 11 categories. Anybody can nominate people into the category through the online nomination portal.
Coach of the Year – Female, male and disability pathway
Who is inclusive, encouraging and inspiring when it matters most? How has this coach made a real impact? In particular, how have they stood out with engaging with players, developing strong positive relations with players and parents, and creating a safe, inclusive and positive space for everyone involved.
Grounds Team of the Year
We want to know about the grounds team who excels when it comes to making sure grassroots football happens, and the pitch and facilities are ready to go. They might not have a specific title, but these people are the ones who make sure the whole space – from the pitch to the facilities – are always safe, welcoming and fully prepared for the game. Look for evidence of their efforts making a positive difference to make football, safe, fun and inclusive for everyone.
Club of the Year
Whether a 1, 2 of 3 star England Football Accredited Club, your Club of the Year should clearly demonstrate, both on and off the pitch, how they are inclusive, play their part in the local community and have perhaps supported The FA with initiatives such as Wildcats, Squad or Just Play, increased on pitch opportunities for male, female or disabled players, and are the beating heart of their local community.
League of the Year
The League of the Year should have dedicated volunteers that clearly demonstrate, both on and off the pitch, how they proudly create a safe, fun and inclusive space for everyone. The judging panel will review applications based on the League being an England Football Accredited League which can demonstrate support of The FA initiatives and its valuable role in the community.
Tell us about the match official who has impressed you on match day or in the Refereeing community. Someone who has shown dedication and commitment to supporting the game and match officials, whilst showing empathy and respect to all involved.
Young Volunteer of the Year
We’re looking for someone who has made a real contribution to football in the community. Someone who is a role model and gives the best of themselves to make the game for all. Someone who provides a valued voice for other young people, or a valuable skillset as part of a wider team. Your nominee must be under 25 years of age on the closing date of the nominations.
New Volunteer of the Year
Who has started volunteering in football this season and immediately made a positive impact on your football club, league or other organisation? How have they benefited from being a volunteer, and how have they benefited others? Your nominee must have undertaken the EE Playmaker course, and taken on a new voluntary role in the 22/23 season.
The Lioness Award
Inspired by the Women’s Euros victory and its impact on and off the pitch, we are looking for a project run by volunteers using football as a way of inspiring positive change in the women and or girls' game. Who has provided opportunities for more people in the community to access opportunities to coach, manage, administrate or officiate in the women and girls' game?
Positive Football Environment Award
We're looking for a volunteer who's gone the extra mile to create a positive football culture. One that is warm and welcoming, and fun, safe and inclusive for everyone. It could be someone in your club or league, or a volunteer, player, referee or an organiser of social football.
Making your nomination count
When selecting your nominees, think about all the roles in grassroots football. Think about who’s impressed you, who’s really made a difference – and how they made that positive impact happen. The more details you can give us, the better.
- Progressive - Always looking to improve and innovate
- Respectful - Leading by example to inspire positive behaviour
- Inclusive - Uniting all people of any age, ethnicity and background
- Determined - Rising to and overcoming challenges
- Excellent - Striving to make football the best it can be
How to nominate
Nominations close on 19th April 2023. Make your nomination by clicking the button below.