Two Premier League clubs in contention as FvH Awards 2026 shortlists revealed

Published by Jon Holmes on 07/01/202607/01/2026

Brentford and Brighton join QPR on fresh Pro Game slate at annual event celebrating LGBTQ achievements in the game; shortlists expanded in both Fan Group and FvH Hero categories; entries from Ireland, Mexico and Romania up for International Award; tickets on sale for awards night in London on Friday 6 February…

By Jon Holmes

*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)*

Premier League duo Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion are among the first-time shortlisted contenders at the Football v Homophobia Awards 2026.

Both clubs are currently riding high in the top half of the top-flight table and will contest the Professional Game category with Championship side QPR, who are also making their debut on the shortlists this year.

The category, which is sponsored by the EFL, recognises achievements by clubs in EDI that have had a significant, positive impact for people who are LGBTQ. Winners in previous years have included Leeds United, Manchester United and Sheffield United.

This is the seventh edition of the FvH Awards, with its gala night ceremony to be held at the London Welsh Centre in the heart of the capital, on Friday 6 February.

Tickets for the event are on sale NOW (shortlisted entrants can access a free ticket allocation).

There are 11 categories at the Awards, which will kick off the opening weekend of the annual FvH Month of Action, and the Supporters Group and FvH Hero shortlists have both been expanded in light of the exceptionally high standard of nominations.

Overall, the panel of judges deliberated over hundreds of nominations. Chair Lou Englefield, director of FvH, said: “We are once again incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination.

“It’s a challenging period for LGBTQ communities, and we’re seeing evidence of this in football, yet at the same time, there is so much great work being done across the game, by clubs, grassroots leagues and teams, fan groups, community trusts, and others.

“Putting on a gala night to celebrate this is a big undertaking for FvH, and we’re hoping that football bodies show their appreciation for the efforts of all those on the shortlists and beyond by backing the Awards this year.”

Interested in sponsorship opportunities for the FvH Awards 2026? Enquire by email.

Category shortlists (contenders in alphabetical order)…

Professional Game Award, sponsored by EFL

Brentford FC; Brighton & Hove Albion FC; Queens Park Rangers FC

Brentford were busy alongside LGBeeTs in 2025, welcoming in the group – now also on the club’s Fan Advisory Board – to speak to players and brief stewards.

Brighton supported the LGBTQ+ community by launching the inclusive ‘Play with Pride’ tournament with local partners and delivering creative and fundraising activities.

QPR demonstrated strong, visible support for fan group QPR Rainbow Rangers through robust responses to homophobic abuse, and prominent matchday and social media content.

Semi-Pro (Non-League) Game Award

Clapton Community FC; Dulwich Hamlet FC; York City FC

Clapton made their commitment to LGBTQ+ equality clear through matchday activations, community partnerships, and a club culture with inclusion at its core.

Dulwich continue to consistently support queer fans, calling out discrimination, and embedding visible, year-round Pride symbolism and values throughout Champion Hill.

Up at York, there was a bold FvH Month of Action message across the club’s men’s and women’s teams, featuring school engagements, and a free ticket offer for LGBTQ+ fans.

Grassroots Game Award

Leftfooters FC; Lincoln United LGBTQ FC; Mersey Marauders FC

Leftfooters FC were ‘right on’ throughout 2025, taking in Pride in London and EuroGames Lyon while hosting their own tournaments, all fulfilled with powerful trans-inclusive activism.

Lincoln Utd LGBTQ FC had a landmark year, expanding to more than 40 members – a significant size in their county – with diverse representation of gender, orientations and abilities.

Mersey Marauders exemplify inclusion, centring trans-friendly football and financial accessibility, which have proven positive impacts on wellbeing, confidence and belonging.

*Attendees at the Football v Homophobia Awards 2025 (image: @lightwithalens)*

Supporters Group Award

Ibrox Pride; Proud Forest; Proud Sky Blues; QPR Rainbow Rangers; Rainbow Owls

Despite facing unprecedented hostility, Ibrox Pride has continued to grow through media engagement, visible support from Rangers FC, and targeted trans outreach, making a tangible impact in the fight against discrimination in Scottish football.

In Nottingham, Proud Forest made big strides, empowering fans through its ‘Proud at the Ground’ campaign, organising an inclusive tournament, and representing on Forest’s Fan Advisory Board.

Like Coventry City, Proud Sky Blues are striving for elite status – the group is already driving cultural change through engagement and mental health support, after just two years of existence.

In west London, QPR Rainbow Rangers have worked with their club to combat homophobic chanting, champion trans visibility, and create safer matchday experiences for fans, while also contributing to education and fundraising initiatives.

Now with more than 200 members, Rainbow Owls are thriving through collaboration and participation, during tough times at Sheffield Wednesday; the group also put on another well-attended Pride conference in October.

FvH Cymru Award

Billy Radbourne; Jaz Haines; Kinmel Bay FC

Goalkeeper coach Billy’s level of commitment to Cardiff Dragons FC and the Her Game Too training centre is widely admired in the city, along with his care for trans players and focus on community building.

Jaz founded Cardiff’s LGBTQ+-inclusive women’s 5-a-side league, creating a beginner-friendly, welcoming space that has grown rapidly.

Kinmel Bay, whose men’s team plays in the fourth-tier North Wales Coast East Premier Division, have woven FvH values of respect and allyship into the fabric of the club.

FvH Hero Award

Becky Taylor-Gill; Chris Ledger; George Ellis; Natalie Washington; Richard Young

Becky (Goal Diggers FC / Studs) has been a leading advocate for trans and non-binary inclusion in grassroots women’s football, organising campaigns, letters, and a march to Wembley to challenge the FA’s blanket ban, all while continuing to stand firm against transphobia, despite significant backlash.

Chris, founder and chair of Rainbow Owls, has run workshops, events and campaigns to ensure ongoing LGBTQ+ engagement at Sheffield Wednesday, despite financial and other challenges.

George is the co-founder and an inspirational figure in three inclusive football projects in West Yorkshire – Leeds DIY Footy, the Doing It Together (DIT) League, and Saturday Football Leeds – which are providing access to queer and trans-inclusive spaces, including coaching, casual sessions and league matches.

Natalie is a leading advocate for trans people in football, using her influence as a public speaker and campaigner in 2025 to not just challenge FA bans but also promote new avenues for players.

Richard, chair of QPR Rainbow Rangers, has fostered a strong sense of belonging in the group while also encouraging club-wide education, and is now also making a wider impact as Pride in Football’s social media officer.

Women’s Game Award

Bristol Football Casual League; League of Our Own; Solent Sports Women

The Bristol Football Casual League (BWFCL) provides a safe, inclusive, and trans-friendly grassroots experience for women and non-binary people, taking a bold stand against the FA’s trans ban, infused with community spirit.

In south London, League of Our Own has created a similarly successful space, offering a safe and welcoming alternative to FA-affiliated football – and it’s seeing a rapid growth in numbers.

Solent Sports Women have strongly supported trans and non-binary players in the aftermath of the April Supreme Court ruling and its consquences, hosting FvH events, and running recreational sessions with mixed-gender opportunities.

*Rainbow Blades were the winners of the Supporters Group category in 2025 (image: @lightwithalens)*

FvH Scotland Award

Ibrox Pride; Slay FC; Stenhousemuir Rainbow Warriors

Ibrox Pride has steadfastly championed LGBTQ+ inclusion in Scottish football through the raising of the Progress flag at Rangers FC, hosting trans-focused events, supporting isolated fans, and working with the club to implement hate crime reporting measures.

In Edinburgh, Slay FC is an essential space for queer players that prioritises accessibility, community, and mental wellbeing, always fun-focused and free from judgment.

Rainbow Warriors, in their first year, have established a powerful collective, breaking down barriers, fostering friendships, and serving as a flagship program for Stenhousemuir FC Community Foundation.

International Award, sponsored by Fare

Bohemian FC (Ireland); Club Sportiv Ocazional (Romania); Nicolás Pineda Salazar (Mexico)

Bohemians, a fan-owned professional club in Dublin, has pioneered LGBTQ+ inclusion in Irish football through initiatives like GayBohs, Pride events, educational workshops, and research, culminating in the launch of a major national study and policy recommendations in 2025.

Bucharest’s Club Sportiv Ocazional (CSO) is a pioneering women’s amateur football NGO that provides free, inclusive training sessions for women of all backgrounds and abilities, unique in a country ranked the EU’s worst for LGBTQ rights on ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map.

Nicolás has spent seven years transforming LGBTQ+ sport in Latin America – he founded the all-gender Copa LGBT event which now has more than 700 participants, advocates for human rights, and is harnessing media visibility to shift cultural attitudes across the region.

Football Media Award

Emma Smith; Sports Media LGBT+; Zack Leader

Emma continues to provide incisive journalism on topics including LGBTQ+ issues, while breaking exclusive stories from around the world and serving as one of the few out trans women in mainstream global sports media.

Football coverage on Sports Media LGBT+ gives vital visibility to queer players, teams, and supporter groups, with commentary on key developments for the community, and the highlighting of achievements.

Zack, now Grimsby Town’s media manager having been with Lincolnshire FA and Lincoln United, has consistently leveraged his media roles to challenge homophobia, amplify LGBTQ+ voices, and drive meaningful cultural change.

Community Trust or Foundation Award

Chesterfield FC Community Trust; QPR in the Community Trust; Sheffield United Community Foundation

Chesterfield FC Community Trust has actively championed LGBTQ+ inclusion by supporting fan group Rainbow Spireites, delivering workshops in local schools, and facilitating youth and community programs.

In 2025, QPR in the Community Trust amplified campaigns, worked with men’s and women’s first teams and fan group Rainbow Rangers on inclusive events, and hosted a free 7-a-side tournament for over 50 LGBTQ+ participants with full facilities and staffing.

Sheffield United Community Foundation has delivered awareness sessions in schools and hosted fortnightly inclusive football sessions with Rainbow Blades, helping to consistently create safe spaces for Sheffield’s LGBTQ+ community.

*Football v Homophobia Awards 2025 trophies on display before the ceremony (image: @lightwithalens)*