King's Honours for English football representatives

English football was well represented in The King’s Birthday Honours List for 2023, with recipients across both the professional and grassroots game.

Former England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright, now a popular broadcaster and author, received an OBE for his services to Association Football and charity.

And another former England forward, Eni Aluko, received an MBE for her service to the game and charity after a career which saw her earn 105 caps and represent the likes of Chelsea, Birmingham City and Charlton Athletic at the top level of the women's game.

Also picking up an MBE is referee Amy Fearn, who has officiated in both the men’s and women’s professional game and been involved in the game for over 30 years. She has been rewarded for her services to Association Football.

Grassroots football was also recognised in the List, with Katherine Hui, founder of the Laces Community Club collecting an MBE for her services to Community Football and to young women in east London.

There was also a BEM (British Empire Medal) for George Clarke, president of Frome Collegians youth team for his services to Association Football and to young people in south-west England.

Stuart Langworthy received a BEM following his work as manager of the England over 60s Walking Football team, while coach Anthony McAllister gets the same honour for his services to Association Football and to young people in Manchester.

"I’d like to offer our congratulations to all of those recognised in this year’s Honours List," said FA Chair, Debbie Hewitt MBE.

“Whether it’s a reward for a lifetime of service to our game as an official, achievements on the pitch at the highest level and tireless work for charity or playing a part in helping to develop football in this country for as many people as possible regardless of age or circumstances, the recognition for all of these recipients is fully deserved."

Earlier this week, FA Council member Professor Dame Robina Shah visited Buckingham Palace to receive her award of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire [DBE].

Robina, who joined the FA Council in 2021, received the honour in the King’s New Year’s Honours list for services to patient care. We send our congratulations to Robina for receiving this accolade.

As well as being a member of the FA Council, Robina is a Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Non-Executive Director and Professor of Psychosocial Medicine and Director for the Doubleday Centre for Patient experience at the University of Manchester Medical School.

Robina has been a member of the FA Disability Football Committee since 2016, an independent member of the FA Women’s Football Board from 2017-2021, from which she stepped down when she was appointed to our Council in July 2021. She is currently one of the working group who are helping to shape the future of Council.

We would like to congratulate all on the List for their honour.