Lead the Change programme shortlisted for National Partnership Award

West Riding County FA has been shortlisted in the Partnerships category at the County FA Recognition Awards 2026 for the Lead the Change programme, delivered in partnership with Yorkshire Sport Foundation, Huddersfield Town Foundation, Equity Coach, Sporting Equals, and Blacklight Consultancy.

The prestigious awards celebrate the best projects, products and services delivered by County Football Associations across England during the past season, recognising excellence, innovation and the sharing of best practice across the game.

Winners will be announced at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on Wednesday 4 November 2026. The shortlisting recognises the impact of the Lead the Change programme and highlights West Riding County FA's commitment to creating positive outcomes through collaborative partnership working.

Developed and delivered through a strong cross-sector partnership, Lead the Change has been recognised for demonstrating how meaningful collaboration can drive positive change and create more inclusive pathways into leadership across sport.

Yorkshire Sport Foundation Development Manager, Tahir Akram, said:

"We're delighted to see Lead the Change recognised on a national stage through this shortlisting. The success of the programme is a testament to the strength of the partnership between West Riding County FA, Yorkshire Sport Foundation, Huddersfield Town Foundation, Equity Coach, Sporting Equals and Blacklight Consultancy, and our shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and lasting positive change.

"This recognition reflects the dedication of everyone involved in the programme and the impact that can be achieved when organisations come together with a common purpose. We are proud of what has been accomplished so far and excited about the opportunities ahead."

As the programme continues to evolve, its impact is being felt not only by aspiring leaders from ethnically diverse backgrounds but also across the wider sport and physical activity sector. By building confidence, developing skills and expanding professional networks, Lead the Change is helping to create a more inclusive and representative future for leadership.

Find out more about Lead the Change from our Impact Report

The shortlisting represents a significant achievement for West Riding County FA and its partners, underlining a shared commitment to using football and sport as vehicles for positive social change throughout West Yorkshire and beyond.

Commenting on the achievement, Hannah Simpson, CEO of West Riding County FA, said:

"We are incredibly proud to have been shortlisted in both the Partnership and Employee Wellbeing categories at the County FA Recognition Awards 2026. These nominations reflect our commitment to creating a positive impact both within our workforce and across the communities we serve through football.

"The Lead the Change programme has demonstrated the value of meaningful collaboration with partners to drive positive change, while our Growing Together framework has helped us create a supportive culture where our people can develop, thrive and succeed. To be recognised nationally alongside County FAs from across the country is a fantastic achievement, and I would like to thank our staff, partners and volunteers whose passion and dedication have made this possible."

Yorkshire Sport Foundation wishes West Riding County FA, and all those shortlisted, the very best of luck ahead of the awards ceremony in November.