Lincolnshire FA's Disability Football Ambassador and Coach at Grimsby Town Ability Counts FC, Jason Land, has been presented with The FA's Hope Award, created to recognise the contribution of individuals like Jason who have made a significant impact in developing the future of football.

Nominations for the awards are made by FA Council members, and have been introduced for the first time in 2024.

The award for the Professional Game, The Charlton Award, has been named after Sir Bobby Charlton, who did much to futureproof the game through his world-renowned Bobby Charlton Soccer Schools.

There is also an award for the National Game, The Hope Award, named after Charlotte Hope, the young volunteer who tragically lost her life last year and who was a formidable force participating in an overseas football charity using football to positively change the lives of young children.

Both Sir Bobby and Charlotte have been announced as posthumous recipients of the inaugural award. Lady Norma and Charlotte’s parents Neil and Helen received a special trophy to recognise their respective contributions.

Jason is recognised for the substantial role he has played in the development of disability football. Partially sighted himself, he has been involved in disability football for over 24 years as a player, coach, club committee member and league committee member. As well as being a Disability Ambassador for Lincolnshire FA, he is also Grimsby Town’s Sports and Education Trust Disability and Inclusion Lead.

Lotte and Jason will receive their awards at an international game in the Autumn.

Jason told BBC Radio Humberside his work included going into schools and using "the power of football to get people engaged".

He is also involved in wider community work including holiday activities and food programmes.

Jason added:  "Nobody involved in grassroots football or football development do it for the accolade, but to receive this award from the FA at the top is absolutely humbling and mind-blowing really."

Debbie Hewitt MBE, FA Chair, said: "It is with a great honour and privilege that we are able to celebrate the achievements of Sir Bobby Charlton and Charlotte Hope through the Charlton and Hope Awards. Their commitment and dedication to football leaves a lasting legacy and we will never forget their contributions.

"Our winners for this year, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Jason Land, have both shown incredible passion and determination to use the power of football to bring about positive change in society and we congratulate them on their achievements and well-deserved recognition."

Shan Jaehrig, Senior Independent Director, FA Rep, and Director for Organisational Development at Lincolnshire FA as well a FA Council Member, said: "As soon as I heard of the FA's inaugural Hope  Award, I knew immediately that Jason Land was a perfect candidate to nominate. Jason represents all that is best in grassroots football, working tirelessly to ensure that football can be enjoyed by all, regardless of ability. He is selfless and humble. He has a great sense of humour and brings joy and enthusiasm to everything that he does for football. It's an honour to know him and I am absolutely delighted that he has won this award."

Jason Land recently featured on Lincolnshire FA's We Are The One Podcast, set up to tell the stories of and recognise volunteers across grassroots football in our area. You can listen to Jason's episode of the podcast here:

Click here to stream on Spotify

Click here to stream on Apple Podcasts

Click here to stream on YouTube

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