The Devon County Football Association (FA) has won a prestigious award in recognition of its commitment to its employees.

The Newton Abbot-based Devon FA won the Employee Wellbeing and Engagement Award for its People Plan and its Investors In People accreditation at the County FA Recognition Awards that were held at Wembley Stadium on Thursday night (November 6).

The FA Recognition Awards highlight the best projects, products and services delivered by County FAs and enable County FAs to share best practice and learnings from around the country.

This year’s awards attracted a record-breaking number of nominations with more than 250 nominations received from 50 county FAs operating across England.

Devon FA was shortlisted for three other awards: the Facility Development Award for its involvement in the Devonport and Brickfields redevelopment; the Progressive Governance Award, for its implementation of the new open age safeguarding compliance and league engagement; and the Women and Girls Award for its Women’s walking football league.

‘Our dedicated team, working alongside the wider Devon football family, are making significant strides across all areas of the game,’ commented Devon FA chief executive Chris French when the nominations were announced in September.

‘These awards celebrate the outstanding work taking place across the country to strengthen and grow grassroots football, so it continues to thrive in the future,’ added FA head of operations for grassroots football Tim Foster. ‘Each shortlisted project showcased true innovation and impact, and we are proud to recognise their achievements and celebrate the vital contribution our County FAs make to the game.’

Earlier this week, the Devon FA launched its Christmas toy appeal to support three local charities and ensure children across the county receive a festive gift.