The winners of the 2025-26 Charlton and Hope Awards, created in the memory of Sir Bobby Charlton and Charlotte Hope, have been announced during the FA Council meeting at Wembley Stadium today.
The recipients for 2025-26 awards are two trailblazers of refereeing in English football, with Rebecca Welch named as the winner of the Charlton Award, and Paul Kirby as the winner of the Hope Award.
Rebecca Welch is widely recognised as one of the most influential match officials in England and around the world. She has achieved a series of historic milestones, including becoming the first woman to referee an EFL match and a men’s Emirates FA Cup third-round tie in 2021.Rebecca went on to become the first female to referee a Premier League match in 2023. On the international stage, she has also officiated at the Women’s European Championships, FIFA Women’s World Cup and Women’s Champions League Final.
Rebecca’s distinguished career includes appointments at major domestic and international fixtures, as well as her 2024 induction into the English Football Hall of Fame. She is now manager of the Select Group Women’s Professional Game, and her remarkable achievements have been recognised today with the Charlton Award.
Paul Kirby has been recognised with the Hope Award for his outstanding contribution as a referee and role model for inclusion in football. He has raised the profile of deaf football through a distinguished officiating career, with major appointments including the English Deaf League Championship Final, the EE Disability FA Cup, the World Deaf Football Championships and the Deaflympics final in 2025, where he became the first deaf referee to take charge.
Nominations for the awards are made by FA Council members and recognise individuals who have made a significant contribution to develop the future of English football.
The award for the Professional Game, The Charlton Award, is named after Sir Bobby Charlton, who did so much to futureproof the game through his world-renowned Bobby Charlton Soccer Schools.
The award for the National Game, The Hope Award, is named after Charlotte Hope, the young volunteer who tragically lost her life and who was a formidable force participating in an overseas football charity using football to positively change the lives of young children.
Debbie Hewitt MBE, Chair of The Football Association said: “Rebecca Welch and Paul Kirby are both outstanding examples of how football can inspire progress, opportunity and positive change across every level of the game.
“Rebecca’s remarkable career is defined by a series of historic firsts, and her professionalism and leadership continue to break new ground for female match officials, while helping to inspire the next generation to reach the highest level of the game.
“Paul is an incredible match official who has overcome his own disabilities to be a leader and an inspiration in refereeing. His achievements, together with his commitment to raising the profile of deaf football, has helped to open up new opportunities for others and show the game is at its strongest when it is inclusive and welcoming to all.
“We are incredibly grateful for the contribution that Rebecca and Paul have made and we are delighted to recognise them as the recipients of this year’s prestigious Charlton and Hope Awards.”
