Maidenhead United is delighted to share that the Maidenhead United FC Community Trust has been recognised as Best Football Community Scheme – Non-Premier League or Championship Club at the 2026 Football Business Awards.
The Community Trust pipped Dons Local Action Group and SPFL Trust - Game Energy to the coveted award at the ceremony in London on Friday, 15th May.
Recognised at a national level, the Community Trust has become a vital wellbeing platform for residents across the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, using the power of football to bring people together, improve health, and strengthen community bonds.
From youth to walking football, disability sessions, wellbeing programmes and direct support for vulnerable individuals, the Trust’s reach is extensive. Independent research last year estimated that the social value of its work now exceeds £5 million, underlining its transformative impact on the local area.
“It’s absolutely amazing to win this award,” said Helen Preedy, Community Trust Manager.
“I think the last ten years have been a real build-up to this, and really it’s about the whole team, the football club, and the Community Trust, and us all working together to make the club what it is today.
“The awards today have been amazing; just looking at the other nominees, they’re fantastic, so to win today is an amazing privilege.”
The judges at the Football Business Awards had some very kind words to say as they awarded our community club this prestigous award.
"The very epitome of a community club and grown from humble beginnings, but scaled enormously over 10 years to now being the focal point of the town.
"The entry ties on pitch and off pitch stories together well, showing how rising attendances, local business backing and CALM shirt sponsorship all reinforce the community mission.
"The entry covers great breadth and inclusivity of programmes - 300 football and fitness sessions each month, 118 volunteer coaches.
"Very impressive results for a small organisation.
"CALM - deeply embedded with the logo on every shirt, dedicated awareness about tackling (normalise conversations) suicide and mental health.
"For a national league side, the scope and professionalism of the community work are impressive, especially given an existential crisis in 2015 and limited resources. The club has clearly decided to become a 'town asset' rather than just a football club."
Furthermore, the club’s partnership with Campaign Against Living Miserably was also recognised in the Sponsorship or Partnership of the Year - Non-Premier League or Championship Club category.
Made possible due to the generosity of nine local and national businesses, the partnership raises awareness of the importance of saving lives, allowing CALM’s logo placed on the front of every Maidenhead United shirt.
This pioneering collaboration has become a powerful symbol of how football can be used as a force for good, combining national level awareness with grassroots connection.
Sian Lancaster, Commercial Director, described the ceremony as a “proud moment” and one which was “incredibly special”.
Sian added: “This award reflects the hard work of so many people across the club, our partners, our volunteers, our supporters and the wider local community who continue to support what we are building together.
“Football clubs can be far more than what happens on the pitch, and this recognition shows the impact a truly community focused club can have.
“I’m especially proud of the partnership with Campaign Against Living Miserably and the role football can play in opening conversations around mental health and suicide prevention.
“We’re a small club with a big community spirit, so this means a lot to everyone at the club.”
The club extends its congratulations to all involved, as well as the other nominees and winners at the 2026 Football Business Awards.
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