NORTHUMBERLAND FA SHORTLISTED FOR THE COUNTY FA RECOGNITION AWARD 2024

Northumberland Football Association [FA] has been successfully shortlisted for the Partnership Award at the  County FA Recognition Awards 2024 for its work with Urban Green Newcastle & Heaton Stannington FC. 

 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

Northumberland FA has made the final shortlist for the Partnership Award for its work to link underused football pitches at Paddy Freeman's Park in Newcastle, looked after by the Urban Green charity, with a new junior club launched by established senior club Heaton Stannington FC. We worked with these partners to install the new juniors team at the site, and applied for funding from the Football Foundation to improve the grass pitches on site, plus new goalposts and improvements to the existing pavilion building. 

Helen Beales, Head of Business Development at Northumberland FA said:

"We're delighted that this project has had such a significant impact, providing a home ground for the new Heaton Stannington Juniors club which is committed to providing a quality football experience for its young players. It has ambitious plans over the next few seasons to provide a full football pathway from the youngest ages right through to adult football, alongside opportunities for female players to get involved in the game."

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

 “I’d like to congratulate Northumberland FA in making the final shortlist for the Partnership 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.”