MEMBERS of the Essex grassroots football community are being encouraged to shine a light on the people who make the game possible by nominating them for the 2026 England Football Grassroots Football Awards presented by Howdens.
The annual awards celebrate the incredible individuals and organisations who dedicate their time, energy and passion to grassroots football. From volunteers and coaches to clubs, referees and leagues, the awards recognise those who go above and beyond to make football happen in communities across the country.
Grassroots football relies on thousands of committed volunteers who give up their time week in, week out – whether that’s organising teams, coaching players, running leagues or supporting matchdays. The Grassroots Football Awards provide an opportunity to say “thank you” and highlight the vital role these individuals play in the game. There is a range of categories, designed to celebrate different contributions to the grassroots game, including:
Club of the Year
League of the Year
Match Official of the Year
Young Volunteer of the Year
New Volunteer of the Year
Coach of the Year (Male Pathway)
Coach of the Year (Female Pathway)
Coach of the Year (Disability Pathway)
Grounds Team of the Year
Positive Behaviour Award
The Lioness Award
The Bobby Moore Award
These categories recognise the wide range of people and organisations who help grassroots football to thrive in communities across England. Anyone can submit a nomination through an online portal, and one person can nominate as many people as they like, across multiple categories. The Essex County FA will review the nominations from their area, and will select local winners.
These winners then go forward to a national shortlist, with the overall national winners chosen by an FA judging panel. National winners are invited to a special awards celebration alongside legends of the game at the England Football Grassroots Football Awards Presentation Ceremony, recognising the outstanding impact of grassroots heroes across the country.
Do you know a volunteer, coach, club, official or league in Essex who deserves recognition? Now is your chance to celebrate the people who make grassroots football special! By nominating someone, you’re helping to ensure the incredible efforts of Essex’s football community are recognised and celebrated. Please submit your nomination via www.essexfa.com.
