Brentford and Brighton make debut in Football v Homophobia Awards shortlist

Premier League sides Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion have made their debut on the shortlist for the Professional Game Award at the 2026 Football v Homophobia (FvH) Awards, joining Queens Park Rangers in contention. The event, now in its seventh year, celebrates excellence in LGBTQ+ inclusion across football and will take place on Friday, 6 February at the London Welsh Centre in London. 

Professional Game Award

• Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, and QPR are shortlisted
  • Brentford partnered with LGBeeTs, taking them into their fan advisory board
  • Brighton hosted the Play with Pride tournament and organised creative fundraising events
  • QPR Rainbow Rangers received strong support following robust action against homophobic chanting 

Semi‑Pro and Grassroots Categories

• Semi‑Pro (Non‑League) Game Award contenders:
  • Clapton Community FC
  • Dulwich Hamlet FC
  • York City FC
    Each club has demonstrated strong LGBTQ+ engagement through community partnerships, matchday outreach, and inclusive campaigns.
• Grassroots Game Award shortlist:
  • Leftfooters FC
  • Lincoln United LGBTQ FC
  • Mersey Marauders FC
    Highlights include participation in Pride events and fostering inclusive, trans-positive environments.

Supporters’ and Volunteer Recognition

• Supporters Group Award shortlisted:
  • Ibrox Pride, Proud Forest, Proud Sky Blues, QPR Rainbow Rangers, Rainbow Owls
    These groups have pushed for trans outreach, matchday initiatives, mental-health support and advisory roles within clubs. 
• FvH Hero Award finalists:
  • Becky Taylor‑Gill, Chris Ledger, George Ellis, Natalie Washington, Richard Young
    Their advocacy ranges from grassroots trans inclusion to education campaigns, social‑media leadership and organising collective action.

Further Categories & Highlights

• FvH Cymru Award shortlist:
  • Billy Radbourne, Jaz Haines, Kinmel Bay FC - recognised for initiatives in community development and LGBTQ+ league creation.
• Women’s Game Award nominees:
  • Bristol Football Casual League, League of Our Own, Solent Sports Women - praised for creating safe, trans‑inclusive women’s football spaces. 
• FvH Scotland Award:
  • Ibrox Pride, Slay FC, Stenhousemuir Rainbow Warriors, celebrated for their visibility and advocacy in Scottish football.
• International Award, sponsored by Fare:
  • Bohemian FC (Ireland), Club Sportiv Ocazional (Romania), Nicolás Pineda Salazar (Mexico) - honoured for pioneering LGBTQ+ inclusion across Europe and Latin America. 
• Football Media Award:
  • Emma Smith, Sports Media LGBT+, Zack Leader - acknowledged for raising awareness and visibility for queer voices in sport.
• Community Trust or Foundation Award:
  • Chesterfield FC Community Trust, QPR in the Community Trust, Sheffield United Community Foundation - recognised for delivering educational programmes and inclusive events. 

FvH Chair Lou Englefield emphasised the significance of the shortlisting process: “It’s a challenging period for LGBTQ communities, yet we’re seeing great work being done across the game.” The awards will open the FvH Month of Action and reflect a heightened standard of nominations across all categories.