Manchester FA has landed the ‘Partnership Award’ at the inaugural County FA Recognition Awards for its partnership work with University of Manchester that delivers a world class football education experience in Manchester, for a cohort of Chinese football coaches. 

The awards were introduced this year to recognise and endorse the best projects, products and services launched by County FAs over the past season while sharing best practice and learnings from around the country.

Manchester FA was handed the Partnership Award for working with the University of Manchester in delivering a global project with The Federation of University Sport of China. 

This resulted in 60 Chinese Coaches gaining FA International Qualifications in 2018 and considerable income that has since been invested by Manchester FA in safeguarding, recruitment of a Referee Duty Of Care Officer and the 2019/20 Coach and Volunteer Development programs. 

The Judges commended Manchester FA on the project, which evidenced an ‘entrepreneurial approach and excellent partnership development involve both local stakeholders and international partners’. In addition, the panel recognized an ‘excellent use of inward investment to fund core County FA business and FA priorities, including workforce development, investment into clubs and leagues, and coach development.’ 

From the 50 County FAs operating across England, 39 entered to County FA Recognition Awards with over 150 submissions, highlighting continuous improvements and showcasing how they are innovating to improve football and increase participation across all levels of the game. 

The eight categories recognised on the night were: 

- Brand Engagement
- Digital Engagement
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Football Development
- Insight & Data
- Partnership
- Women & Girls
- Special Recognition

Manchester FA’s Chief Executive Officer Colin Bridgford explained: "I’m very proud of the hard work our team puts in and this award is a fantastic recognition for a project that involves a large number of the team and requires a collaborative effort. We’d also like to thank the University of Manchester for their support and I hope we can continue to build on the success of this project for years to come."

FA Chief Executive Martin Glenn added: "It gives us great pleasure to recognise and reward our County FAs. The work they do in their local communities to inspire a lifelong journey in football are absolutely vital in ensuring we continue to develop, promote and protect the game. 

"It’s testament to their work that we now have the highest number of boys playing affiliated football recorded to date, and we are well on track to deliver on our ambition to double participation in the female game."

For more information on the work of County FAs, visit www.thefa.com