Birmingham County FA is delighted to announce that its Save Today, Play Tomorrow programme has been shortlisted for the Special Recognition accolade at the 2022 County FA Recognition Awards. 

The Awards, which will be announced at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on Thursday 15 September 2022, recognise and endorse the best projects, products and services delivered by County FAs over the past two seasons while sharing best practice and learnings from around the country.

A record breaking 235 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 eleven categories which will be recognised at the awards were: 

• Brand Engagement
• Coach Development
• Digital Engagement
• Employee Engagement
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
• Football Development
• Insight & Data
• Partnership
• Special recognition
• Women & Girls
• Youth Engagement

Save Today, Play Tomorrow (STPT) is a series of planned initiatives, strategic partnerships and infrastructure investment that fall under four key themes - health and wellbeing, positive education, climate action and reconnecting football with nature.

As a governing body, Birmingham County FA (BCFA) recognises the need to take action now to ensure the beautiful game significantly reduces its environmental impact, whilst helping to educate those involved in football at all levels to make informed decisions that will shape how much future generations will be able to enjoy the game.

Richard Lindsay, Business Insights Manager at Birmingham County FA and Project Lead for Save Today, Play Tomorrow, said: “To be recognised and shortlisted by the panel as a finalist for this award is a fantastic achievement for us – the staff, but equally the leagues, clubs, teams and thousands of grassroots football participants within our region that collectively are on this journey of positive change with us. 

“We feel privileged to sit alongside our fellow County FAs in this category and are proud of all of the wonderful projects that are being showcased. We are all too aware of the climate emergency we are facing, but sport can and does play a pivotal role in leading on change, both on and off the pitch.”

The FA’s Head of Operations for Grassroots Football, Tim Foster added: “I’d like to congratulate Birmingham County FA in making the final shortlist for the award and all of the other County FAs for their excellent submissions which are testament to their dedication and achievements over the past two seasons.

“The long-standing partnership between the FA and County FAs is a crucial part of our long-term strategy for grassroots football. The partnership is committed to serving those that participate and are involved in the game, and providing the leadership needed to ensure future generations continue to enjoy and benefit from our national game.

“We look forward to recognising and rewarding our County FAs at Wembley Stadium in September and thanking each and every one of them for the vital work they deliver across their local communities.”