Northumberland FA has landed the Positive Football Environment Award at the 2023 County FA Recognition Awards for its Respect and Reward campaign, which asks referees to mark team on the behaviour of their players, coaches and spectators and rewards the top performers.

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

 Northumberland FA was also finalists in three additional categories.

Andrew Rose-Cook, Northumberland FA's Chief Executive, said: "Our winning project aims to promote Respect in the game and celebrate those participants that show the highest levels of behaviour. We're delighted that our efforts have been recognised nationally with this award."

 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