8 Years of Respect Awards

The awards celebrate The Respect Programme, which was launched by The FA in 2008 with the aim of uniting the game whilst ensuring that football – both on and off the pitch – is an enjoyable, inclusive and positive experience for all.

For the last eight years, The FA Respect Awards have recognised those who uphold and implement those values in their local community by promoting best practice across every aspect of the game.

The judging panel received over 1000 nominations and, after careful consideration, 11 winners across 11 categories were chosen.

Well Deserved Winners

The flagship category, The Bobby Moore Award, was won by Kevin England of Bedfordshire for his fantastic contribution to hearing & visually impaired players. Kevin has been credited with making a big impact on the lives of players in the local area and creating an environment with Respect at its very heart.

The parents of Ross Jr Royals were nominated for the Parent Award by Paul Flitney after their debut season in the Herefordshire Junior Football League. As an all girls team competing in a boys league, the team has faced some tough challenges in a new environment but the parents have watched impeccably and positively as their daughters compete on the pitch. The parents have received 5 out ot 5 from other team coaches all season in FA Respect marks and drive all round the county and region for matches and tournaments.

Ross Jrs are soon off on a club tour to watch England Ladies in the Netherlands and the parents have been fully behind and supportive with the organisation of the tour. Their behavior influences the girls behavior and attitude on the pitch and both have represented the club in an extremely positive light. We would like to congratulate Ross Juniors on receiving this award.

The FA Respect Awards 2017 winners are:

• Bobby Moore – Kevin England, Bedfordshire
• Club - Sherwood Colliery Ability Counts FC, Nottinghamshire
• Coach – Ahmadou Seye, Amateur Alliance
• Committee Member – Amanda Borrino, Lancashire FA
• Grounds Staff – George Georghiou, Frenford Senior, Essex
• League – Surrey Youth League, Surrey
• Match Official – Jawahir Roble, Middlesex
• Parent – Ross Juniors Royals Parents, Herefordshire 
• Player – Leia Rudge, Colchester Town Ladies, Essex
• Supporter – John Shannon, Amateur Alliance
• Volunteer - Mohammed Waheed, Alpha United Juniors FA, West Riding

Stephanie Moore, The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK Founder, said: “I was delighted to join the judging panel of The FA Respect Awards 2017 to discuss The Bobby Moore Award, League, Club and Match Official awards.

“Once again, the standard was extremely high, with a number of inspirational and committed leagues, clubs and individuals nominated. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate each and every one of the winners and thank them for their fantastic work across the game.”

Troy Townsend, Kick It Out Education Manager, said: “For the amazing effort the applicants put into grassroots football, they are all worthy of being recognised through the awards. The panel has chosen a great selection of winners that represent the truly diverse nature of the game in this country.”

Nathan French, National Respect Project Manager, said: “This season we refreshed the categories, opening them up to represent football across the game. Respect should be for all and it’s important everyone plays their part. I think the categories reflected this and the engagement through nominations was fantastic.

“I know the panel had a tough job on their hands choosing the final ‘Respect 11.’ It’s been fantastic to hear some of the great work being carried out up and down the country, with so many people championing Respect. All the winners are doing some fantastic work and are making a big impact across their football communities.”