From grassroots pioneers to professional clubs and supporters’ groups, the annual Football vs Homophobia Awards honoured the champions pushing for inclusion in the game during LGBTQ+ History Month.
Football’s relationship with LGBTQ+ inclusion continues to evolve, and at no better moment than LGBTQ+ History Month, the seventh Football v Homophobia Awards highlighted those at the forefront of that progress.
On 6 February, at London’s Welsh Centre, some of the sport’s most influential figures, community clubs and campaign groups gathered to celebrate achievements that stretch from local pitches to professional stadiums. Against a backdrop of ongoing debate about inclusion and diversity in football, the awards recognised contributions that make the game safer, fairer and more welcoming for LGBTQ+ participants and fans.
Founded to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression at all levels of football, Football vs Homophobia (FvH) exists to ensure the sport not only acknowledges past injustices but actively leads change. In a year marked by high-profile debates around trans inclusion in sport and broader cultural conversations about belonging, the 2026 ceremony reaffirmed the role football can play in affirming rights and visibility for LGBTQ+ communities.
Celebrated guests from across the professional game, grassroots, media, fan groups and equality organisations came together for an evening that mixed advocacy with celebration – from the award winners to two passionate Lifetime Achievement honourees whose legacies helped shape LGBTQ+ football history in the UK.
HONOURING LEGACY & LEADERSHIP
The emotional high point of the night came with Lifetime Achievement Awards presented to two veteran figures in LGBTQ+ football:
• Joanie Evans, a transformative force at Hackney Women’s FC and in wider LGBTQ+ sport, celebrated for decades of leadership and activism.
• Aslie Pitter, a central figure in Stonewall FC’s history, honoured for his role in shaping one of the UK’s first openly gay football clubs.
Surrounded by peers, teammates and current players, both honourees received standing ovations for their impact on LGBTQ+ football culture.
CELEBRATING 2026’S FOOTBALL V HOMOPHOBIA CHAMPIONS
This year’s full list of the champions honoured in the Football v Homophobia Awards 2026 list, by category include:
Professional Game Award (sponsored by EFL)
- Winner: Brentford FC
- Runner up: Queens Park Rangers
- Third place: Brighton & Hove Albion
Semi-Pro (Non-League) Game Award (sponsored by PGMO)
- Winner: Clapton Community FC
- Runner up: Dulwich Hamlet FC
- Third place: York City FC
Grassroots Game Award (with Kick It Out)
- Winner: Leftfooters FC
- Runner up: Mersey Marauders
- Third place: Lincoln United LGBTQ FC
Supporters Group Award (with Fans for Diversity)
- Winner: Proud Forest
- Runner up: Ibrox Pride
- Third place: Rainbow Owls
Highly commended: Proud Sky Blues; QPR Rainbow Rangers
FvH Cymru Award
- Winner: Jaz Haines
- Runner up: Kinmel Bay FC
- Third place: Billy Radbourne
FvH Hero Award
- Winner: Natalie Washington
- Runner up: Chris Ledger
- Third place: Becky Taylor-Gill
Highly commended: George Ellis; Richard Young
Women’s Game Award (sponsored by Sky Sports)
- Winner: Bristol Football Casual League
- Runner up: League of Our Own
- Third place: Solent Sports Women
FvH Scotland Award
- Winner: Ibrox Pride
- Runner up: Stenhousemuir Rainbow Warriors
- Third place: Slay FC
International Award (sponsored by Fare)
- Winner: Bohemian FC (Ireland)
- Runner up: Nicolas Pineda Salazar (Mexico)
- Third place: Club Sportiv Ocazional (Romania)
Football Media Award
- Winner: Sports Media LGBT+
- Runner up: Emma Smith (BBC Sport)
- Third place: Zack Leader
Community Trust/Foundation Award (sponsored by the Premier League)
- Winner: Sheffield United Community Foundation
- Runner up: Chesterfield FC Community Trust
- Third place: QPR in the Community Trust
FvH Lifetime Achievement Awards
- Joanie Evans, Hackney Women’s FC
- Aslie Pitter, Stonewall FC
TACKLING INCLUSION IN FOOTBALL
Taking place during LGBTQ+ History Month, this year’s FvH Awards come at a moment when football faces key questions about inclusion, identity and culture. From fan activism to community outreach, from professional club initiatives to national-level campaigns, the awards showcased how football can – and must – be part of the broader movement for LGBTQ+ equality.
According to the FvH Awards organiser’s, which continues to drive progress in LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, football’s role in society is more than sport. And advocacy continues through February and followed by a Football v Transphobia Week of Action in late March –with opportunities for clubs, leagues, supporters and organisations to deepen their commitment to inclusion in the game. Click here to find out more and show your support for the campaign.
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