Many thanks to all of the people who took the time to nominate for the FA Community Awards League of the Year category. This year we received more nominations than ever in this category, showing the fantastic work that the leagues are doing. With hundreds of fixtures across Oxfordshire each week, the leagues are vital in letting everyone play football.

The judging panel had the unenviable task of picking a shortlist of three who are attending Oxfordshire FA’s Annual Awards Evening on the 12th of June. Below we highlight the three nominees and look at the reason for their nominations.

BOBi League

The BOBi League has continued to grow over the last season and now contains teams from Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire. With leagues for mental health and physical disabilities, it provides football for all areas of the community and this season has increased the number of people on its committee.

Oxford Mail Youth Football League

The OMYFL have over 300 teams playing fixtures during the season and have this year formed a partnership with Oxford City FC to use their Indoor Arena in the colder months for players and teams to play Futsal. This partnership has seen up to 600 players taking part in a weekend.

Oxfordshire Invitation Youth Football League

The OIYFL have recruited a number of new volunteers this year making the league committee stronger and allowing a great collation of ideas to move the league forward. They have been open about their plans to help halt the drop off of players at ages 15 and above and how they can recruit and retain players across all age groups.

The winner of the League of the Year Award will be announced at the Awards Evening on the 12th of June.