Lincolnshire FA has once again been recognised for its outstanding commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion in football, securing the County FA Award at the 2025 Football v Homophobia Awards in Glasgow.

This marks the third successive year that Lincolnshire FA has received this prestigious honour, reinforcing its ongoing dedication to fostering an inclusive and welcoming football community.

The Football v Homophobia Awards celebrate individuals and organisations making significant strides towards LGBTQ+ inclusion in football. The County FA Award recognises the vital role English County FAs play in promoting inclusivity, tackling discrimination, and supporting LGBTQ+ football initiatives. With 50 County FAs across England, the shortlist for this category was highly competitive, with Kent FA and North Riding FA also receiving recognition for their impactful work.

A Commitment to Inclusion

Lincolnshire FA’s triumph highlights the organisation’s continued efforts to integrate LGBTQ+ inclusion into all aspects of its work. Some of the key initiatives that contributed to this year’s award win include:

• Supporting LGBTQ+ Clubs & Activities: Lincolnshire FA has actively supported LGBTQ+ teams and inclusive football initiatives across the county, ensuring that safe spaces for LGBTQ+ players continue to grow.

• Embedding Inclusion Across the Organisation: From internal decision-making to public engagement, LGBTQ+ inclusion has been at the forefront of Lincolnshire FA’s strategy.

• Training & Education: Staff, volunteers, and club representatives have undergone dedicated training to better understand LGBTQ+ inclusion and address discrimination.

• Inclusive Communications: Lincolnshire FA has ensured that its social media, website, and public communications consistently share messages of inclusion and tackle LGBTQ+phobia in football.

• Campaign Engagement: The organisation has played an active role in national campaigns such as Football v Homophobia Month of Action, Trans Week of Action, and Rainbow Laces, demonstrating a year-round commitment to equality.

• Community Engagement: Lincolnshire FA has engaged with local LGBTQ+ groups to gain insights into the barriers faced by LGBTQ+ people in football and has worked to increase accessibility and participation.

• Proactive Approach to Discrimination: Lincolnshire FA has taken a firm stance on tackling discrimination, ensuring reports of abuse and prejudice are dealt with effectively and in line with FA regulations.

A Night of Celebration in Glasgow

The 2025 Football v Homophobia Awards took place at Òran Mór in Glasgow, bringing together over 200 guests to honour those making a difference in LGBTQ+ inclusion within the game. Hosted by Flo Lloyd-Hughes and Zander Murray, the event featured an electric atmosphere, with performances from Scottish trad band Tuath and drag artist Geezah Gobble.

The County FA Award category saw Lincolnshire FA recognised ahead of strong contenders Kent FA and North Riding FA, both of whom were commended for their progressive initiatives, including Kent FA’s ongoing LGBTQ+-specific activations and North Riding FA’s impressive ambassador programme in partnership with Teesside charity Hart Gables.

Continuing the Journey

Winning this award for the third consecutive year is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with Lincolnshire FA. However, the journey doesn’t stop here. The organisation remains committed to ensuring that football in Lincolnshire is a sport for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Lincolnshire FA would like to extend its gratitude to Football v Homophobia, The FA, and the entire football community for their continued support. Together, we will keep striving for a more inclusive and diverse game.

Tom Padden, Football Development Manager (Disability & Inclusion) at Lincolnshire FA, said: "We are incredibly proud to be named Football v Homophobia’s County FA of the Year for the third successive year. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at Lincolnshire FA, as well as the clubs, leagues, and individuals who continue to champion inclusion in our county. Football is for everyone, and we remain committed to creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments where LGBTQ+ people feel empowered to participate at all levels of the game. We will continue to build on this success and work towards a more inclusive future for grassroots football in Lincolnshire."

For more information on Lincolnshire FA's work on making football inclusive and accessible for all, click here. 

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