Maidenhead United has been shortlisted for two major honours at the 2026 Football Business Awards, an achievement that places the club alongside some of the biggest names in the game and highlights the extraordinary impact being made by a community-driven club punching well above its weight.
The club has been named finalists in both Best Football Community Scheme and Sponsorship or Partnership of the Year (League One and below), recognising Maidenhead United’s unwavering commitment to community wellbeing and its bold, innovative partnership model.
Since 2023, Maidenhead United has proudly showcased leading mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) as its front of shirt sponsor across every team in the Maidenhead United family.
This partnership, made possible due to the generosity of nine valued partners including the Maidenhead Advertiser, places mental health awareness at the heart of the club’s identity and ensures crucial conversations around suicide prevention reach thousands across the borough.
This collaboration has become a powerful symbol of how football can be used as a force for good, creating national level awareness while also connecting with people on a local level.
Alongside this, the club’s extensive work delivered through the Maidenhead United FC Community Trust has also earned national recognition.
The Trust has become a vital wellbeing engine 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 football to walking football, disability sessions, wellbeing programmes and direct support for vulnerable individuals, the Trust’s reach is extensive.
Independent research recently estimated that the social value of its work now exceeds £5 million, underlining its transformative impact on the local area.
Sian Lancaster, commercial director, said: “This is another example of our small community club punching far above its weight.
“To be shortlisted among such prestigious company is a huge honour and a testament to the power of what can be achieved when a community comes together.
“We’re incredibly proud that our groundbreaking partnership with CALM has been recognised. It simply wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our fantastic CALM Partners, whose support allows us to highlight CALM’s lifesaving work and spark vital conversations across our community.”
Helen Preedy, Maidenhead United FC Community Trust Manager, said: “We’re thrilled that the Football Business Awards have recognised the incredible breadth of work happening across our community.
“Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly every day, running everything from junior football to disability sessions, walking football to chair-based exercise, and individual wellbeing support for those who need it most.
“We’re proud of the impact we make and grateful to everyone who supports the Community Trust as we continue to champion the physical and mental wellbeing of people across Maidenhead.”
The winners of the 2026 Football Business Awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on Friday, May 15.
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