DEVON County FA has won the top prize at the Devon Business Awards, being recognised with the Devon Legacy Award for more than 130 years of service to football.

Hosted by Devon Chamber Of Commerce, the Devon Business Awards celebrate the very best of business in the County, from new start-up businesses to innovation in inclusivity, with the Devon Legacy Award the final award of the evening.

The Devon Legacy Award is a special honour for individuals or organisations with long-standing contributions to Devon’s Business Community.

With over 130 years of service to the grassroots game in the county, Newton Abbot-based Devon County Football Association was formed in 1888 at a meeting held in the pavilion of Plymouth Cricket Club, South Devon Place with Newton, Plymouth FC and Tavistock Grammar School among the founding clubs.

In 1889, the first Challenge Cup was inaugurated with Tavistock Town defeating Plymouth FC in the final. Fast forward 137 years, there are now 26 County Cup finals from youth and girls football, all the way through to five disability cup finals, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to experience the game in the same way.

Having started with an initial eight clubs, there are now more than 600, providing tens of thousands of players the chance to enjoy the beautiful game, and there is a pathway for everyone to participate.

With thousands of pounds reinvested into the community each year through the Devon FA Community Fund and even more through the Football Foundation, it is working alongside the wider business community to support its vision of enhancing lives through football.

The County FA, which has its headquarters in Coach Road, won the Devon Legacy Award ahead of outstanding nominations.

John Street, chairman of Devon County FA expressed his delight, highlighting the work of thousands of people across the county.

He said: ‘This is not just recognition for our current workforce, it is commendation for the hundreds of thousands of people who have supported the game in our 138-year history.

'The game in Devon, is in a fantastic place, we are proud of the great strides made in women’s and girls’ football, with a hotbed of talent in the region.

‘There are around 600 players in the disability game, led by the standalone Ability Counts League, and our clubs continue to be at the heart of their communities from the north all the way down south, and with our support this will continue to be the case for many years to come.

‘We are committed to working alongside partners and stakeholders to help us make the game a respectful, positive and inclusive environment for everyone.’

Devon County FA CEO, Chris French added: ‘It’s a proud moment for the whole Devon Football Family.

‘This award is not only recognition of 138 years of football in the county, but the impact and support the County FA and football is having on the wider community, opportunity and health and wellbeing.

‘Football in Devon is thriving, and we can’t wait to see where the next 138 years takes us.’