Who is inclusive, encouraging and inspiring when it matters most?

The coach should be able to demonstrate the following:

- Minimum The FA Level 1 in Coaching or The FA Playmaker supported by BT, with in date emergency aid*
- Demonstrate The FAs PRIDE values
- Part of a Grassroots Club that are The FA Charter Standard Accredited
- Communicates RESPECT to players
- Attends relevant CPD

*The FA Level 1 Introduction to First Aid in Football or other FA approved emergency aid qualifications.

Who inspires excellence and inclusivity in our younger players?

The coach should be able to demonstrate the following:

- Minimum The FA Level 1 in Coaching or The FA Playmaker supported by BT, with in date SC, EA* and in date accepted The FA
- Demonstrate The FAs PRIDE values
- Member of the Licensed Coaches Club scheme
- Attends relevant CPD
- Communicate the England DNA messages
- Part of a Grassroots Club that are The FA Charter Standard Accredited
- Creates a positive learning environment

*The FA Safeguarding Children Workshop, The FA introduction to First aid in football or other FA approved emergency aid qualifications.

Who keeps the pitch and facilities match-ready all year round? And helps keep the environment safe, week in, week out?

We want to know about the grounds team who excel when it comes to making sure grassroots football happens. In such a stop, start year – who made sure when the opportunity came the pitch and facilities were ready to go.

They might not have a specific job-title, but these people are the ones who make sure the club pitch, environment and facilities are always safe and good to go.

Look for evidence of their efforts making a positive difference to make football, safe, fun and inclusive For All.

Which club sits at the heart of its community providing an opportunity for all to get involved?  

Your Grassroots Club of the Year should be one that unites everyone in a fun atmosphere of respect, inclusivity and excellence. It is the club that goes above and beyond to provide great football for all. 

The judging panel will review the applications based on the following criteria:

- It is part of The  FA Charter Standard Accredited programme.
- They have dedicated volunteers.
- They are PROUD to create a safe, fun, and inclusive environment FOR ALL.

Which league creates a great format and environment to encourage every player? 

The Grassroots League of the Year should have dedicated volunteers that clearly demonstrate, both on and off the pitch, they are PROUD to create a safe, fun and inclusive environment FOR ALL. 

The judging panel will review the applications based on the following criteria:

- It is part of The FA Charter Standard League accreditation programme.
- Demonstrates support of The FA initiatives
- Demonstrates their role in the community

Who gives up their own time to go above and beyond for your club?

We want to know about those who make a difference as volunteers. Those who make an impact on matchdays or behind the scenes. Those who are supportive and positively contribute to football in the community for the enjoyment of others.

The judging panel will review the applications based on the following criteria:

- The volunteer must have made a significant contribution to football in their community.
- The volunteer may have taken steps to improve the standard of their volunteering through sports/football courses.
- The volunteers should act in a responsible and professional manner and be seen as a role model in their community.

Who is dedicated to helping make grassroots football enjoyable for everyone?

Your rising star nomination should be for someone who has made a real contribution to football in the community. Someone who is a role model, who acts responsibly, and encourages and supports others.

Your nominee must be under 25 years of age on the closing date of the nominations.

We’re looking for those special individuals, club, league or group who see grassroots football as a place to positively impact the well-being of all.  It is the forefront of their thinking. 

Do you know somebody who raised the bar in lockdown – perhaps they created a befriending hotline? Did they put together a virtual event to connect their players and raise money for a charity? Or is the well-being of players embedded in your club – do you listen to players allowing them to make a difference to their own club? How about an incredible Welfare Officer who goes above and beyond to make sure the experiences of the players and volunteers is a great one?

The award is to recognise how they’ve developed support to make sure their community stay happy, healthy and connected. This is more than just playing, but about the power of football to support mental health, positivity and building a football family. It’s for those who think about the whole player and volunteers as developing people rather than just producing players or winning matches. Supporting each other in a safe, fun and fair environment on and off the pitch.

This could be in response to COVID 19, or as a continuation of what they already do.

Who has the determination and drive to ensure everyone plays fair?

Tell us all about the match official who has impressed you on matchday with their fairness and empathy, their reliability and fitness.

Your nominee should be an excellent official who evaluates skilfully, someone who is keen to ensure players can learn while enjoying their football at the same time.
As well as the PRIDE values, nominations for the Match Official of the Year should evidence how the nominee has demonstrated one or more of the values associated with the DNA of English refereeing:

- Respect,
- Empathy,
- Fitness,
- Evaluation,
- Reliability,
- Education and Excellence

Which project made a positive impact through football in your local community?

We want to hear all about a grassroots project that has really made a significant difference to life in your local community. Something that has, thanks to football, improved things in the locality for others. For example; tangible decreases in crime, increases in youth engagement, positive impact on mental health and wellbeing within the community, driving girls/disability/all football participation. This could be a long-term project or one set up to help people through the COVID pandemic.