Derbyshire Football Association has been successfully shortlisted for the Facility Development Award at the County FA Recognition Awards 2024 for its Derby Football Hub project.

The Awards, which will be announced at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on Thursday 7 November 2024, recognise and endorse the best projects, products and services delivered by County FAs over the past season while sharing best practice and learnings from around the country.

Over 225 nominations have been entered from the 50 County FAs operating across England, highlighting exceptional delivery and showcasing how they are innovating to improve grassroots football and increase participation across all levels of the game.

Derbyshire FA has made the final shortlist for the Facility Development Award for the Derby Football Hub project. The Derby Football Hub state-of-the-art facility offers three new full-size 3G football turf pitches (FTPs), along with the refurbishment of the existing FTP. Additionally, the community building features a community café, additional meeting spaces, increased parking, and improved entry and exit points, enhancing the overall experience for visitors. The Racecourse Park has also undergone significant improvements, including the addition of a play area, basketball court, and outdoor gym. Jointly funded by Derby City Council and the Premier League, The FA, and the Government's Football Foundation, this project is operated by Leisure United and is an excellent example of collaborative working to improve community sports infrastructure, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering active and healthy lifestyles within the Derby community.

Derbyshire FA's Head of Facilities & Partnerships, Liam Rooney said:

“Derbyshire County FA are absolutely delighted to hear the Derby Football Hub project has been shortlisted for the Facility Development Award at the County FA Recognition Awards 2024.

“The primary aim of the project was to deliver a thriving community-hub that will improve facilities to develop football and physical activity in Derby and to create an inclusive and accessible facility to create opportunities for the local community.

The project leads, both internal colleagues and strategic partners, have demonstrated great tenacity, leadership and collaboration in the delivery of this project demonstrating a real clarity of purpose to achieve the successful outcome for what has been delivered.”

Leisure United's Regional Manager, Richard Smith stated:

“The vision from the outset of this project was clear, to provide the very best facilities for grassroots football to thrive. It’s a very energising experience to work in collaboration with Derbyshire FA and share their passion in bringing this project to life. It is our pleasure to witness the realisation of that vision every day at LU Derby Racecourse, where not only do we host hundreds of matches for thousands of players, but we experience that it has become much more than a facility, it’s a real hub of the community.”

Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure, Ndukwe Onuoha said:

“It’s fantastic news that Derby Racecourse Hub has been shortlisted for this award. It’s a shining example of successful collaboration, which has resulted in a community sports facility that’s both modern and inclusive.

“As well as state-of-the-art sporting facilities, the Hub offers a range of amenities, including a community café and meeting spaces, making it accessible to everyone. By providing high-quality, sustainable facilities for year-round use, our aim is to ensure the long-term viability of grassroots football and community activities in Derby.”

The FA’s Head of Operations for Grassroots Football, Tim Foster added:

“I’d like to congratulate Derbyshire FA in making the final shortlist for the Facility Development Award. We’ve had some outstanding submissions this year, once again highlighting the crucial role County FAs play in their local communities, ensuring accessible opportunities across all football formats and creating a fun and safe environment for all.

“We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our County FAs at Wembley Stadium in November and thanking everyone involved for their efforts across the season.”

For more information on the work of County FAs, visit: https://www.englandfootball.com/explore/county-football-associations