One of England’s County FAs has received a significant regional award, demonstrating the huge contribution our local governing bodies make not only to the national game, but also the communities they serve.
The Devon County FA won the top prize at the Devon Business Awards - the Devon Legacy Award, which emphasises the vital role County FAs play in supporting grassroots football, developing opportunities for players, coaches, referees and volunteers and ensuring football is a tool for positive impact.
With over 130 years of service to the grassroots game in the County, Devon County Football Association was formed in 1888 at a meeting held in the pavilion of Plymouth Cricket Club, South Devon Place with Newton, Plymouth FC and Tavistock Grammar School among the founding members.
Fast forward to the present day, there are now over 600 teams, 27 County Cup finals from youth and girls’ football, all the way through to five disability cup finals.
With tens of thousands of pounds reinvested into the community each year through the Devon FA Community Fund, and even more through the Football Foundation, Devon County FA is working alongside the wider business community to support the FA’s vision to inspire positive change through football.
John Street, Chair of Devon County FA expressed his delight, highlighting the collective contribution of thousands of people across the county: “This is not just recognition for our current workforce; it is commendation for the hundreds of thousands of people who have supported the game in our 138-year history.
“The game in Devon is in a fantastic place, we are proud of the great strides made in women’s and girls’ football, with a hotbed of talent in the region.
“There are around 600 players in the disability game, led by the standalone Ability Counts League, and our clubs continue to be at the heart of their communities from the north all the way down south, and this has been the case for over 100 years and will continue to be the case for many years to come.
“We’re committed to working alongside partners and stakeholders, many of whom were at the Crowne Plaza and celebrated alongside us, to help us make the game a respectful, positive and inclusive environment for everyone.”
Devon County FA CEO, Chris French, added: “It’s a proud moment for everyone associated with the game in Devon.
“This award is not only recognition of 138 years of football in the County, but the impact and support the County FA and football is having on the wider community, opportunity and health and wellbeing.
“Football in Devon is thriving, and we can’t wait to see where the future takes us.”
