> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Brentford and Brighton make debut in Football v Homophobia Awards shortlist
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/brentford-and-brighton-make-debut-in-football-v-homophobia-awards-shortlist/
- Published: 2026-01-09T13:22:30.000Z
- Updated: 2026-01-09T13:22:30.000Z
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: News

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. 

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/a537ac61-34bc-4e6d-b458-9acd8f2f081a.jpg)

THE PROFESSIONAL GAME CATEGORY, SPONSORED BY THE EFL, WAS CONTESTED BY COVENTRY CITY, LEEDS UNITED AND LEICESTER CITY AT LAST YEAR’S FVH AWARDS IN GLASGOW (IMAGE: @LIGHTWITHALENS)

### 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.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/8f583ebc-d45a-4d08-9d52-2a52060f8876.jpg)

THE PROFESSIONAL GAME CATEGORY, SPONSORED BY THE EFL, WAS CONTESTED BY COVENTRY CITY, LEEDS UNITED AND LEICESTER CITY AT LAST YEAR’S FVH AWARDS IN GLASGOW (IMAGE: @LIGHTWITHALENS)

### 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.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/IMG_8211.jpg)

GUESTS ENJOYING THE FVH AWARDS 2025 GALA CEREMONY IN GLASGOW. (IMAGE: @LIGHTWITHALENS)

### 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.

💡

[Tickets are now available](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/football-v-homophobia-awards-night-2026-tickets-1979880610202?ref=scenemag.co.uk), with shortlisted entrants eligible for complimentary passes to the gala evening on **6 February.**