Leicestershire & Rutland County FA (LRCFA) has been successfully shortlisted for the Employee Wellbeing & Engagement Award, Positive Football Environment and the Referee Development at the County FA Recognition Awards 2024.

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

LRCFA has made the final shortlist in the following categories:

Employee Wellbeing & Engagement Award: A Thriving Employee Workforce

This nomination was centred on the LRCFA People Plan, which details how we recruit, develop, retain and reward the best workforce possible. A new staff health and well-being group was created to inform the People Plan and led on some actions in the 23/24 season, including refurbishment work to the CFA HQ.

Positive Football Environment Award: Discrimination, Investigation, Mediation and Support Officer (DIMSO)

The DIMSO project was established to provide comprehensive support to individuals who have experienced alleged discrimination. Initially, the project offers personalised assistance to ensure the well-being of the affected person. Once their immediate needs are addressed, the DIMSO helps them collect the necessary evidence to pursue a formal complaint. Additionally, the project facilitates mediation between parties involved in previous incidents, aiming to resolve conflicts and promote understanding.

Referee Development Award: Referee Support Surgery

The Referee Support Surgery was introduced last season to assist our County FA referees in discussing any incidents they may have encountered over the weekend. County FA referees can book an online call every Monday between 6pm and 9pm, during which a member of our Referee Development team is available to help with any enquiries or concerns.

Joe Dunmore, Chief Executive Officer at the LRCFA, expressed his delight. He said:

"We are incredibly proud to be recognised in three key categories at this year's County FA Recognition Awards.

“These nominations reflect the hard work and dedication of our team in creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for everyone involved in football across Leicestershire and Rutland. Our commitment to employee well-being, fostering a positive football environment, and supporting our referees remains at the forefront of our mission."

The FA’s Head of Operations for Grassroots Football, Tim Foster added:

“I’d like to congratulate the Leicestershire & Rutland County FA in making the final shortlist for the Employee Wellbeing & Engagement Award, Positive Football Environment, and the Referee Development Award.

“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.”

For more information on the work of County FAs, visit HERE