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.
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 AwardBrentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, and QPR are shortlistedBrentford partnered with LGBeeTs, taking them into their fan advisory boardBrighton hosted the Play with Pride tournament and organised creative fundraising eventsQPR Rainbow Rangers received strong support following robust action against homophobic chanting Semi‑Pro and Grassroots CategoriesSemi‑Pro (Non‑League) Game Award contenders:Clapton Community FCDulwich Hamlet FCYork City FC
Each club has demonstrated strong LGBTQ+ engagement through community partnerships, matchday outreach, and inclusive campaigns.Grassroots Game Award shortlist:Leftfooters FCLincoln United LGBTQ FCMersey Marauders FC
Highlights include participation in Pride events and fostering inclusive, trans-positive environments.
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 RecognitionSupporters 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.
GUESTS ENJOYING THE FVH AWARDS 2025 GALA CEREMONY IN GLASGOW. (IMAGE: @LIGHTWITHALENS)Further Categories & HighlightsFvH 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.
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Tickets are now available, with shortlisted entrants eligible for complimentary passes to the gala evening on 6 February.