We are delighted to announce that we have landed the Special Recognition Award at the 2022 County FA Recognition Awards for our Safeguarding Comic!

The Awards, which were hosted at Wembley Stadium connected by EE, 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.

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

The eleven categories recognised at the awards were: 

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

We were handed the Special Recognition Award for our Safeguarding Comic, depicting Sammy, who, through the support of his teammates and coach, overcome touchline abuse to score the winning goal for his team.

Ken Benham, our CEO said: “It’s a privilege to have received the Special Recognition Award, for the Safeguarding Comic we produced. The award reflects the great importance we as a County FA place upon safeguarding, and our role in ensuring the football is a safe place for all to enjoy the beautiful game. My thanks go our safeguarding team for their hard work in producing the comic.”

The FA’s Director of Football Development, James Kendall added: “It gives us great pleasure to recognise and reward our County FAs and I want to thank each and every one of them for the vital work they deliver across their local communities, ensuring we continue to develop, promote and protect the game so it can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age, background or ability.

"I’d like to congratulate the Sussex County FA in winning the Special Recognition Award and all of the other County FAs for their dedication and achievements over the past two seasons.

For more information about the comic please contact:

Safeguarding
T: 01903 768578
E: Safeguarding@SussexFA.com