London Football Association [FA] has been successfully shortlisted for the Employee Engagement and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion categories at the 2022 County FA Recognition Awards for its partnership with Loughborough University and it’s recently published Racial Equality Action Plan.

The Awards, which will be announced at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on Thursday 15 September 2022, recognise and endorse the best projects, products and services delivered by County FAs over the past two seasons while sharing best practice and learnings from around the country.

A record breaking 235 submissions have been entered from the 50 County FAs operating across England, highlighting continuous improvements and showcasing how they are innovating to improve grassroots football and increase participation across all levels of the game. 

The 11 categories which will be recognised at the awards are: 

• Brand Engagement
• Coach Development
• Digital Engagement
• Employee Engagement
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
• Football Development
• Insight & Data
• Partnership
• Special recognition
• Women & Girls
• Youth Engagement

London FA has made the final shortlist for the Employee Engagement and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion categories at the 2022 County FA Recognition Awards, for its partnership with Loughborough University and it’s recently published Racial Equality Action Plan.

Paul Bickerton, CEO of London FA, said: "We’re proud to have been nominated for these two categories. Our partnership with Loughborough University to provide employment opportunities and work experience for their students as they complete their studies has been running for three years now and has been hugely beneficial to both us and the students. And the delivery of our racial equality action plan is major strategic priority and has really gathered momentum over the past season. It’s great that these work areas are being recognized positively by The FA.”

The FA’s Head of Operations for Grassroots Football, Tim Foster added: “I’d like to congratulate London FA in making the final shortlist for the Employee Engagement and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion categories and all of the other County FAs for their excellent submissions which are testament to their dedication and achievements over the past two seasons.

“The long-standing partnership between the FA and County FAs is a crucial part of our long-term strategy for grassroots football. The partnership is committed to serving those that participate and are involved in the game, and providing the leadership needed to ensure future generations continue to enjoy and benefit from our national game.

“We look forward to recognising and rewarding our County FAs at Wembley Stadium in September and thanking each and every one of them for the vital work they deliver across their local communities.”