Celebrate the Champions Fighting for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Football—Your Chance to Honor Heroes Driving Change on and off the Pitch
The Football v Homophobia Awards 2026 are a vital platform to recognize and celebrate the achievements of individuals, clubs, organizations, and media who have made significant contributions to making football a more inclusive space for LGBTQ+ people. As the nomination window opens, it offers a timely opportunity for fans, players, and allies to acknowledge those who have tirelessly worked to challenge homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia in football at all levels—from grassroots to the professional game.
This article explores the categories of the Football v Homophobia Awards, the importance of each, and suggestions on the kinds of nominees whose leadership, advocacy, and impact deserve to be honored. It also highlights the broader social context driving the relevance and urgency of these awards in 2026.
Background of the Football v Homophobia Awards
Founded in 2019 and now in its sixth year, the Football v Homophobia Awards recognize the efforts across the football community to foster equality and promote LGBTQ+ inclusion. The awards are endorsed by leading bodies including The Football Association (FA) and feature categories covering professional game contributors, grassroots clubs, media, supporters’ groups, and individual heroes. Honorees have been pivotal in enhancing visibility, challenging discrimination, and ensuring football spaces are safe and affirming for everyone.
Award Categories and Nominee Profiles
1. Professional Game Award
This category honors professional clubs, players, or staff who have demonstrated active commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion. Nominees might include teams with robust anti-discrimination policies, those leading Rainbow Laces campaigns, or players who speak out fearlessly against homophobia. Past contenders have included clubs like Coventry City and Leicester City recognized for inclusive initiatives.
2. Grassroots Clubs Award
Grassroots football is the bedrock of community engagement. This award focuses on local clubs excelling in LGBTQ+ inclusion by creating welcoming environments for players, fans, and volunteers of all identities. Nominees can be clubs implementing programs increasing participation among transgender and non-binary players or those developing community educational workshops.
3. Supporters Group Award
Fan-driven LGBTQ+ supporter groups play an important role in challenging prejudice at matches and beyond. This award acknowledges groups that build safe spaces, advocate for change within their clubs, and show visible support for LGBTQ+ causes. Groups such as Proud Baggies and GayGooners have previously been celebrated.
4. FvH Hero Award
Arguably the most inspiring category, this award celebrates individuals who exemplify leadership and dedication—whether a player, coach, activist, or volunteer. Nominees should be role models demonstrating consistent efforts to combat homophobia, educate others, and uplift LGBTQ+ voices within football culture.
5. Football Media Award
Media representation influences public perceptions profoundly. This award recognizes journalists, content creators, and outlets producing respectful, in-depth coverage of LGBTQ+ issues in football. Nominees may include journalists breaking new ground on trans inclusion stories or media platforms amplifying marginalized voices in the football conversation.
6. Community Trusts and Foundations Award
A more recent addition, this category highlights organizations supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion through community programs, outreach, and partnerships enabling long-lasting social impact. Nominees should showcase innovative interventions benefiting marginalized groups and advancing equality in football-related contexts.
Why These Awards Matter in 2026
Despite progress, LGBTQ+ people in football still face discrimination, from casual homophobic chants in stadiums to outright exclusion within clubs. The football community’s visibility as one of the last bastions of heteronormativity in sports makes this work urgent. The awards send a powerful message that activism and advocacy in football are valued and vital.
In 2026, heightened awareness around intersectionality—recognizing diversity within LGBTQ+ identities and the added barriers faced by people of color, disabled fans and players, and trans individuals—makes the nomination process even more significant. Honoring those who embody inclusive leadership encourages wider cultural change, fostering environments where all can enjoy the game freely.
How to Nominate
The nomination window is open now and will close by mid-January 2026. Anyone involved in football at any level can submit names with supporting reasons. Transparency, impact, innovation, and sustained commitment will be key judging criteria.
Call to Action
From grassroots heroes organizing local pride matches to international stars using their platforms for advocacy, the Football v Homophobia Awards 2026 is a call to the football family worldwide to spotlight those creating a genuinely inclusive sport. Nominating someone is a way to affirm that fighting homophobia and celebrating diversity remains at the heart of football’s future.
This article urges fans, players, media professionals, and club officials alike to participate in nominating deserving candidates. By recognizing these changemakers, the Awards help cultivate a football culture defined not by exclusion, but by respect, equality, and pride.
