Leicestershire & Rutland FA shortlisted for 3 County FA Recognition Awards 2025
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 2 October 2025
Leicestershire & Rutland County Football Association (LRCFA) has been successfully shortlisted for three categories at the County FA Recognition Awards 2025.
The Awards, which will be announced at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on Thursday 6 November 2025, recognise and endorse the best projects, products and services delivered by County FAs over the past season while sharing best practice and learnings from around the country.
This year has seen a record-breaking number of nominations submitted with over 250 nominations received from the 50 County FAs operating across England, highlighting exceptional delivery and showcasing how they are innovating to improve grassroots football and increase participation across all levels of the game.
The twelve categories which will be recognised at the awards are:
- Club Development
- Coach & Volunteer Development
- Employee Wellbeing & Engagement
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
- Facility Development
- Football Development
- Partnership
- Progressive Governance
- Referee Development
- Special Recognition
- Tackle Poor Behaviour
- Women & Girls
Employee Wellbeing & Engagement Award: Positive People
LRCFA was shortlisted for its commitment to building a thriving, supportive workplace through its People Plan and dedicated Health and Wellbeing Group. By acting on staff surveys and consultation, the plan delivered key changes including a refurbishment of CFA HQ, the introduction of five new wellbeing initiatives, and stronger employee voice in decision-making.
These actions saw staff engagement scores rise by over 20%, retention improve, and morale significantly strengthen. LRCFA won The FA’s Employee Wellbeing & Engagement Award in 2024 for its “Thriving Employee Workforce” and has been shortlisted again this year, highlighting sustained progress and a culture that puts people at the heart of football delivery.
Football Development Award: The Bigger Goal (Homeless Open Opportunities Football)
The Homeless Open Opportunities Football (HOOF) League was recognised for its innovative approach in using football to inspire positive change in the lives of people experiencing homelessness and insecure housing. Since launching, the league has engaged over 100 participants from six local organisations, providing regular football opportunities alongside wraparound support for health, wellbeing, and social connection. Monthly fixtures at Holmes Park have helped reduce isolation, improve physical activity, and create pathways back into education, training, and employment.
The project stood out nationally for its strong community partnerships, inclusive delivery, and measurable impact, making it a leading example of how football can be used as a tool for social change.
Progressive Governance Award: A thriving, modern and fit-for-purpose governance structure
LRCFA was shortlisted for its bold transformation of governance, replacing a 75-year-old outdated Council with a modern Football Council and nine new Working Groups designed to be representative, inclusive, and fit for purpose. The new structure has attracted 145 applications, leading to 59 new Council members, including over 50% from culturally diverse backgrounds, 13 females, and four members under the age of 25.
Joe Dunmore, Chief Executive Officer at LRCFA, said:
"To be shortlisted in three categories, including retaining recognition for Employee Wellbeing & Engagement work, is a huge achievement for everyone at LRCFA.
“Winning the Employee Wellbeing & Engagement Award last year was a proud moment for us, and to be in contention again shows how we have continued to put people, inclusion, and innovation at the heart of everything we do. These nominations reflect the collective effort of our staff, volunteers, and partners in ensuring grassroots football in Leicestershire and Rutland continues to thrive."
The FA’s Head of Operations for Grassroots Football, Tim Foster added:
"Congratulations to all of the County FAs shortlisted for this year’s County FA Recognition Awards. These awards celebrate the outstanding work taking place across the country to strengthen and grow grassroots football, so it continues to thrive in the future. Each shortlisted project showcases true innovation and impact, and we are proud to recognise their achievements and celebrate the vital contribution our County FAs make to the game."
For more information on the work of County FAs, visit: https://www.englandfootball.com/explore/county-football-associations
