Liverpool Football Association has been successfully shortlisted in two categories at the County FA Recognition Awards 2024.

Football Development – U18s Disability Football Division

Once disabled players have completed their football journey through the youth pathway in our LCFA Ability Counts League, they would immediately transition into open age disability football. For some players, the transition is a smooth and enjoyable one, however for others it is a challenge, with many players walking away from the game. An U18 division was established in our LCFA Ability Counts League in the 2023-24 season which created six new U18s disabled teams, all of whom transitioned from our U16s division. The division sustained 50 disabled players in the game and saw them play 7 monthly matchdays across the season.

Partnerships – Amnesty International – Football Welcomes Programme

Working collaboratively with LFC Foundation and Amnesty International we developed a comprehensive Football Welcomes programme across Merseyside. The programme focuses on working with refugees and people seeking asylum and using football as a tool to welcome them to our city and integrate them into our communities. Across a three-year period, our Football Welcomes engaged with over 204 males and 102 female asylum seekers and refugees in five sessions. 

Anthony Smith, CEO at Liverpool FA said: “For another year running Liverpool FA have been shortlisted in not one, but two categories of the County FA Recognition Awards. This is a testament to the dedication of our staff, partners, clubs and communities involved in both our programmes, it also highlights our mission to ensure the beautiful game is for everyone in our area. We always aspire to be at the forefront of football development and in establishing strong relationships with our local partners for the benefit the grassroots football community.”

The FA’s Head of Operations for Grassroots Football, Tim Foster added: “I’d like to congratulate Liverpool FA in making the final shortlist for the two Awards – Football Development and Partnership. We’ve had some outstanding submissions this year, once again highlighting the crucial role County FAs play in their local communities, ensuring accessible opportunities across all football formats and creating a fun and safe environment for all.

“We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our County FAs at Wembley Stadium in November and thanking everyone involved for their efforts across the season.” 

About the County FA Recognition Awards

The Awards, which will be announced at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on Thursday 7 November 2024, 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.

Over 225 nominations have been entered 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: 

• Brand Engagement
• Coach Development
• Employee Wellbeing & Engagement
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
• Facility Development
• Football Development
• Partnership
• Positive Football Environment
• Referee Development
• Special recognition
• Women & Girls
• Youth Engagement