Two disability football coaches were among 12 people recognised at the 2026 England Football Grassroots Football Awards, presented by Howdens. Jurassic Chargers PFC founder Chris King was named New Volunteer of the Year and Bristol City Cerebral Palsy FC coach Casey Young was named Coach of the Year.
Their contributions were recognised at a special Grassroots Football Awards ceremony on Sunday 16th August, where they were presented with their awards by sports broadcaster and BBC Match of the Day presenter, Mark Chapman.
The awards were followed by a money-can’t-buy experience for Chris and Casey, who were invited pitch-side ahead of The FA Community Shield between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. They joined the guard of honour as the teams entered the pitch, providing a memorable moment to celebrate their achievements.
Read: An Award-Winning Grassroots Coach Shares The Benefits Of Volunteering In Disability Football
What are the Grassroots Football Awards?
The Grassroots Football Awards, presented by Howdens, are England Football’s annual celebration of the volunteers who make grassroots football possible. The awards recognise and reward individuals whose dedication, passion and commitment have had a significant impact on the game.
Each year, 12 awards are presented at a special ceremony attended by former England internationals and VIPs, with winners selected by an independent panel from thousands of nominations submitted from across the country.
Awards include: Bobby Moore Award, Coach of the Year (Male Pathway), Coach of the Year (Female Pathway), Coach of the Year (Disability Pathway), Young Volunteer of the Year, League of the Year, New Volunteer of the Year, Lioness Award, Club of the Year, Positive Behaviour Award, Grounds Team of the Year and Match Official of the Year.
The 2026 Grassroots Football Awards come in a record-breaking year, with more than 12,200 nominations submitted across 12 categories. The awards celebrate the volunteers and individuals whose dedication helps make football accessible, inclusive and enjoyable in communities across England.
More than one million people support grassroots football each year, taking on a huge range of roles – from putting up goalposts and making refreshments to coaching teams and supporting the safeguarding and welfare of players.
James Kendall, Director of Football Development at The FA, said:
“The Grassroots Football Awards are the pinnacle of the season where we shine a light on the contribution our family of volunteers, and particularly our winners, make to the game.
“From pitch maintenance, to respecting the standard, to making the game more welcoming, diverse and inclusive – the grassroots game thrives because of volunteers who put time, effort and care into football and their communities.
“Every year, the thousands of stories that pour in from every corner of the country show how appreciative the game is of those who keep it running. Huge congratulations go to this year’s recipients for their outstanding contribution.”
Forbes McNaughton, Group Company Secretary for Howdens, added:
“We are delighted to be the lead partner of the Grassroots Football Awards this year, celebrating the heroes behind the clubs.
Grassroots football clubs are central to local communities, and they represent more than just places to play a match, and the awards are a wonderful recognition of these efforts.”
Read: Shelbée Clarke: Amputee Footballer Supporting SEND Children To Access The Beautiful Game
Chris King fulfils ambition to bring powerchair football to Dorchester
Jurassic Chargers PFC founder Chris King has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to disability football after being named New Volunteer of the Year at the England Football Grassroots Football Awards.
Chris, a young man living with cerebral palsy, has created new opportunities for disabled players in his community by founding the Jurassic Chargers Powerchair Football team.
Having played Powerchair Football for eight years, Chris was determined to keep the sport accessible when funding was withdrawn. Through securing sponsorship, grant funding and fundraising support, he has enabled new players to discover and participate in the sport.
Jurassic Chargers PFC is a powerchair football club based in Dorset and founded in June 2025. The club began competing in the Division One South West Powerchair Football League in January 2026.
Chris King began playing powerchair football aged 11 and spent several years playing for AFC Bournemouth. But his aspiration was always to start a local club in his hometown of Dorchester, and Jurassic Chargers PFC was born.
Reflecting on his journey to launch his own powerchair football team, Chris said:
“Football gives me joy, and I’d always dreamed of starting my own team. When the funding we had in place disappeared, I knew I had the strength to keep going and find another way to make that dream happen. Thankfully, we were able to secure the funding we needed, and seeing Jurassic Chargers FC become a reality was incredibly special. To now have that journey recognised with this award makes it even more meaningful.”
The club trains at St Osmund’s Sports Centre in Dorchester on Wednesday evenings. To find out more about Jurassic Chargers PFC, including how to get involved, visit the club’s Facebook page.
Read: Dylan Kelsall: Growing Powerchair Football And Leading Leeds PFC To The 2026 Disability FA Cup Final
Casey Young: inspiring the next generation of cerebral palsy football
Another deserving winner was Bristol City Cerebral Palsy FC Vice-Chairman and coach Casey Young, who was also recognised for his incredible Work in disability football after being named Coach of the Year (Disability Pathway) at the Grassroots Football Awards.
Casey, who lives with cerebral palsy, travels more than an hour each way twice a week to coach and support children aged five and above who are also living with the condition.
Having overcome significant challenges himself, including major surgeries, Casey draws on his experiences to inspire the next generation and foster a positive, supportive environment where young people can enjoy football and build their confidence.
Bristol City Cerebral Palsy FC was originally founded by Casey’s father, Bob. He initially established the club for his son to have the opportunity to play football with children with similar disabilities.
For Casey, the recognition is a celebration not only of his own contribution, but of the wider impact that disability football can have on young people and their families.
Reacting to his achievement, Casey said: “To receive this award is amazing, especially knowing that my dad won the same award three years ago.
“Being part of this club and working with the children means so much to me. I want to show them that, yes, I have cerebral palsy, but that doesn’t have to stop you from achieving things and doing what you love. For me, the most important thing is seeing the players enjoying themselves, building their confidence and, above all, having a smile on their face.”
Training is at the Imperial Sports Ground in Bristol every Saturday, which more than 30 families attend. It is continuing to grow, with both boys and girls teams, and several players are now on the England Talent Pathway. To get involved with Bristol City Cerebral Palsy FC, you can contact them at info@bccpfootball.co.uk.
Read: Cerebral Palsy Football Defender Owen Woodrow Eyes FA Cup Success with Norwich City
How to volunteer in disability football
Volunteering in disability football is open to everyone, whether you have football experience or not. From coaching, refereeing and supporting training sessions to fundraising, marketing and administration, there are roles to suit different interests and time commitments. Many volunteers start by helping at a weekly session or matchday before taking on more specialised roles. Clubs value enthusiasm, reliability and a willingness to learn, while training and support are available.
Volunteering can help you meet new people, develop skills and confidence, and make a positive difference to disabled players.
Find opportunities through England Football’s volunteering resources or contact your local club to get involved.
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