FA Chair Debbie Hewitt MBE was a guest at Birmingham County FA’s 150th anniversary celebration earlier this month.
Taking place at Birmingham Cathedral, the BCFA marked the occasion with a reflection on their history and recognition for many people who have been involved in the development of football in the West Midlands.
Founded in 1875, the BCFA has been around as long as Birmingham staples HP Foods and was also formed the same year which Cadbury’s produced their first Easter egg and the famous Bank’s Brewery’s first beer.
And they’ve been in existence for longer than other Midland powerhouses such as Aston Martin (1913), Jaguar (1945), Triumph Motorbikes (1902) and the Royal Shakespear Company (1879).
Nowadays, the BCFA promotes, develops and governs the grassroots game across Birmingham, Warwickshire and the Black Country which includes 950 clubs, 5900 teams, 60 leagues, 80,000 players of all ages, 1500 referees and 24,000 volunteers.
Among the 240 guests at the event alongside Debbie were the likes of Lee Carsley England men's under-21 head coach, the Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands (The King’s Representative), the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, the Police & Crime Commissioner for West Midlands, and all the seven professional clubs from the region and/or their foundations.
Last week, we marked a monumental milestone, 150 years of Birmingham County FA, with a beautiful celebration at Birmingham Cathedral and Birmingham Council House, joined by over 240 guests 🙌
The service blended rich history with the present, including guest speakers,… pic.twitter.com/F2bnLjB2hs
— Birmingham County FA (@BirminghamFA) September 25, 2025
The grassroots game was also represented with many clubs, leagues and match officials from every level of the game attending for what was a wonderful service with an excellent blend of history and the present.
The celebration culminated with a number of BCFA Football Recognition Awards being presented to those who had been nominated from within the game and a special Chair’s Award which was presented to the previous Chair, Mike Penn for his outstanding 51 years’ service to the Association and his dedication the local and national game.
There was also recognition for the FA’s women’s development manager Rachel Pavlou, as she received an award for outstanding service to the Game of Association Football in all formats, especially for the development of the women’s and girls’ game.
Speaking about the event, Debbie said: “It was wonderful to be a part of such a special celebration with the Birmingham CFA, alongside so many people who have played a part in making football at all levels so successful across the region.
“I was honoured to present the awards to those being recognised on the day, and it was great to hear so many of the stories and background to those who have dedicated so much of their time to supporting the game across Birmingham and the West Midlands.”
