The Awards, which were hosted at Wembley Stadium connected by EE, 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.

A record breaking 242 submissions have been entered from the 50 County FAs operating across England, highlighting continuous improvements and showcasing how they are innovating to improve grassroots football and increase participation across all levels of the game.

The twelve categories recognised at the awards were:

• 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

Andy Moisey, Referee Development Manager, was handed the Referee Development Award for a series of workshops designed to support our local Leagues and Clubs, and parents who act as either a referee or an assistant referee in accordance with League Rules. These workshops give support and guidance those who take on the role of match official or an assistant referee in grassroots football.

Neil Cassar Hampshire FA CEO said "It is great to have this part of our referee development programme recognised by The FA and credit must go to our Referee Development Team on this achievement. There are insufficient numbers of match officials available to meet the demands of the affiliated game, particularly at youth level. These workshops support our local leagues and go a long way in ensuring club officials and parents/guardians of participants at those games have the required support to step in as a match official as and when required."

The FA’s Head of Operations for Grassroots Football, Tim Foster added: "It has been brilliant to celebrate the tremendous work that takes place across all of our County FAs.

"The projects submitted into this year’s County FA Recognition Awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication across our County FA network which works tirelessly to deliver grassroots football to the communities in which they serve.

"My congratulations go to all of the winners, and to everyone involved in delivering new and innovative projects to grow and enhance the grassroots game."

For more information on the work of County FAs, visit: https://www.englandfootball.com/explore/county-football-associations