The inaugural winners of two new awards created in the memory of Sir Bobby Charlton and Charlotte Hope have been announced during the FA Council meeting at Wembley Stadium today.
Nominations for the awards are made by FA Council members and recognise the contribution of individuals who have made a significant impact in developing the future of football.
The award for the Professional Game, The Charlton Award, has been named after Sir Bobby Charlton, who did much to futureproof the game through his world-renowned Bobby Charlton Soccer Schools.
There is also an award for the National Game, The Hope Award, named after Charlotte Hope, the young volunteer who tragically lost her life last year and who was a formidable force participating in an overseas football charity using football to positively change the lives of young children.
Both Sir Bobby and Charlotte have been announced as posthumous recipients of the inaugural award. Lady Norma and Charlotte’s parents Neil and Helen received a special trophy to recognise their respective contributions.
The winners for 2023-24 are Lotte Wubben-Moy of Arsenal and England as the winner of the Charlton Award and Jason Land, Lincolnshire FA’s Disability Ambassador, as the winner of the Hope Award.
Lotte is recognised for her strong ambition to leave football and society in a better place, the judges noting the significant role she has played in getting equal access to football for girls, alongside her success on the pitch.
Jason is recognised for the substantial role he has played in the development of disability football. Partially sighted himself, he has been involved in disability football for over 24 years as a player, coach, club committee member and league committee member. As well as being a Disability Ambassador for Lincolnshire FA, he is also Grimsby Town’s Sports and Education Trust Disability and Inclusion Lead.
Lotte and Jason will receive their awards at an international game in the Autumn.
Debbie Hewitt MBE, FA Chair, said: "It is with a great honour and privilege that we are able to celebrate the achievements of Sir Bobby Charlton and Charlotte Hope through the Charlton and Hope Awards. Their commitment and dedication to football leaves a lasting legacy and we will never forget their contributions.
"Our winners for this year, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Jason Land, have both shown incredible passion and determination to use the power of football to bring about positive change in society and we congratulate them on their achievements and well-deserved recognition."
