Programme Awards 2026

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Thank you McDonalds Shropshire for proudly sponsoring Grassroots Football Awards 2026

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Here are the list of categories for the 2026 Grassroots Football Awards and the running order: Young Volunteer of the Year New Volunteer of the Year Match Official of the Year Coach of the Year Female Pathway Coach of the Year Male Pathway Coach of the Year Disability Pathway League of the Year Grounds Team of the Year Positive Behaviour Award The Lioness Award Club of the Year The Bobby Moore Award

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YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26

YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR A young person who’s brought fresh energy, skills and ideas as a volunteer. We want to know about a young person who has made an exceptional impact across grassroots football this season.

In particular…

They must be aged 14-25. A young person who is a role model to others and has made an impact at their club, league or organisation this season. They may be involved in coaching, officiating or leading others as part of a club or league committee. They’ll provide a voice for other young people in the game, allowing those they work with to get the most out of grassroots football. Or who has a valuable skill set as part of a wider team creating a welcoming environment for all, driving positivity game after game.

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NEW VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

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NEW VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Someone who’s burst onto the scene this year and had a real impact.

We want to know about the volunteer who started volunteering in a new role in grassroots football during the 25/26 season.

In particular…

An inspiring individual, young or old. Someone who’s immediately had a big impact at a club, league or other organisation. This might include Sessional Football through an England Football programme such as Just Play, Wildcats, Squad Girls Football or Comets Disability Football.

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MATCH OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

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MATCH OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR A Match Official who: Is an advocate for inclusivity – making the game welcoming, equal and diverse.

Handles challenging situations – demonstrating composure even when dealing with dissent, discrimination, or high-pressure moments.

Is a role model for other referees – embodying respect, teamwork, and integrity.

Is consistent and reliable – maintaining high standards across all matches.

Encourages a positive matchday experience – for players, coaches and spectators.

Has passion for the game – inspiring others through their infectious enthusiasm.

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COACH OF THE YEAR FEMALE PATHWAY 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26

COACH OF THE YEAR FEMALE PATHWAY An inspiring and inclusive volunteer coach at an England Football Accredited club, or from an England Football programme like Wildcats, Squad Girls or Just Play, who has had a positive impact by: Helping female players enjoy the game and reach their full potential.

Creating a thriving learning environment for all.

Helping players succeed in their respective game format.

Improving the playing experience, and leading by example.

Creating positive spaces and overcoming obstacles.

Uniting people of any age, ethnicity and background, and unifying their community.

Being aware of their own motivations and demonstrating positive behaviours.

Developing themselves to maximise the impact they have

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COACH OF THE YEAR MALE PATHWAY 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26

COACH OF THE YEAR MALE PATHWAY An inspiring and inclusive volunteer coach at an England Football Accredited club, or from an England Football programme like Just Play, who has had a positive impact by: Helping male players enjoy the game and reach their full potential.

Creating a thriving learning environment for all.

Helping players succeed in their respective game format.

Improving the playing experience, and leading by example.

Creating positive spaces and overcoming obstacles.

Uniting people of any age, ethnicity and background, and unifying their community.

Being aware of their own motivations and demonstrating positive behaviours.

Developing themselves to maximise the impact they have.

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COACH OF THE YEAR DISABILITY PATHWAY 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26

COACH OF THE YEAR DISABILITY PATHWAY An inspiring and inclusive volunteer coach at an England Football Accredited club, or from an England Football programme like Comets Disability Football or Just Play Disability, who has had a positive impact by: Helping disabled players enjoy the game and reach their full potential.

Creating a thriving learning environment for all.

Helping players succeed in their respective game format.

Improving the playing experience, and leading by example.

Creating positive spaces and overcoming obstacles.

Uniting people of any age, ethnicity and background, and unifying their community.

Being aware of their own motivations and demonstrating positive behaviours.

Developing themselves to maximise the impact they have.

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LEAGUE OF THE YEAR

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LEAGUE OF THE YEAR An England Football Accredited League that makes the game more accessible and enjoyable.

Be England Football Accredited.

Have created a safe, fun and inclusive space, both on and off the pitch.

Support The FA’s Respect the Standard.

Support the Silent Support weekend Play Safe weekend and been proactive in implementing Future Fit changes if a Youth League.

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GROUNDS TEAM OF THE YEAR

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GROUNDS TEAM OF THE YEAR The people who go the extra mile to make sure their ground – from pitch to facilities – is always ready for the game.

In particular…

They might not even have a role- title, but we want to hear about the people who: Keep the facilities match-ready all year round.

Make sure the whole space is safe, week in, week out.

Transform poor pitches into good pitches.

Create a playing environment that’s always welcoming.

Have made improvements to the overarching sustainability of a facility.

Engage with the Football Foundation funding and support services.

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POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR AWARD 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR AWARD A volunteer, club, league or project that: Brings to life the Standards of Behaviour from The Grassroots Code, helping to create a more enjoyable atmosphere for all.

Models positive behaviour for coaches, spectators and teams to follow.

Effectively tackles poor behaviour or rewards good behaviour.

Ensures visiting teams and match officials feel welcomed.

Encourages collective responsibility for a positive football environment.

Supports The FA’s initiatives like Silent Support weekend or Play Safe weekend.

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THE LIONESS AWARD

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THE LIONESS AWARD Someone, or something, that’s moved women and girls’ football forward by creating more and better opportunities in the female game.

In particular…

This can be a coach, referee, off-pitch volunteer, club, provider, league or project. So long as they’re improving the game for more women and girls by: Creating chances to play, coach, manage, administrate or officiate.

Providing safe and inclusive environments for women and girls to thrive.

Having a big impact in their community, on and off the pitch.

Using football to inspire positive change, including through programmes like Wildcats, Squad and Just Play.

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CLUB OF THE YEAR

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CLUB OF THE YEAR A thriving community club that’s done something amazing…either for its players, its volunteers or the wider football family.

In particular…

An England Football Accredited club that: Builds meaningful connections with its members and the wider local community.

Has positive leadership and good governance.

Develops it coaches’ skills and confidence.

Effectively recruits supports and celebrates its volunteers.

Has improved its facilities, on or off the pitch. Has diversified their offer for more people to enjoy more football at their club.

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BOBBY MOORE AWARD

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BOBBY MOORE AWARD A volunteer that represents the best of grassroots football in your county. We’re looking for someone or a group of people who is truly exceptional.

What we’re looking for…

Someone who’s had a big impact over a period of time by: Retaining, recruiting or rewarding players and/or volunteers to ensure grassroots football represents its community.

Raising the profile and increasing the accessibility of grassroots football.

Making an impact through grassroots football on issues important in their community.

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LIST OF NOMINEES YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Isla Morgan-Callear & Peyton Roberts Nevaeh-Mai Taylor Izzy Keates, Ella Keates & Eva Watkins NEW VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Dimitar Marinov Tom Langford Rachael Green MATCH OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR Dom Gardner Ava James Harrison Edgley COACH OF THE YEAR FEMALE PATHWAY Karla Kostka Andy Pryor Anne Johnson COACH OF THE YEAR MALE PATHWAY Jon Arnold Kevin Smart Sam Jones COACH OF THE YEAR DISABILITY PATHWAY James Harrison Lee Chatburn Simon Lee

LEAGUE OF THE YEAR Shropshire Junior Football League Telford Junior League Shropshire Girls League GROUNDS TEAM OF THE YEAR Telford Town Bridgnorth Spartans Shawbury United POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR AWARD Kyle Grazier Gill Callear-Morgan Mark Barr THE LIONESS AWARD Donna Woodvine Ruby-Mae Brothwood Kieran Mountford CLUB OF THE YEAR Bridgnorth Spartans Nova United Football Club Shifnal Girls Football Club BOBBY MOORE AWARD Lynsey Evans Alex Edwards Aimee Meredith-Jones

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Raffle 2x England Men Tickets 2x England Women Tickets 2x Shrewsbury Town Tickets 2x Community Shield Tickets 2x Bottles of Wine 2x Forza Pod Goal Lite

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AWARD PARTNERS

McDonald’s Proud sponsors of tonight’s awards evening.

Mark Harrod Ltd, Pitchcare, Kitlocker Kindly providing prizes for our award winners.

OUR PARTNERS