We are delighted to announce that Leila Ataei has won our Match Official of the Year Award as part of England Football’s Grassroots Football Awards.

This Award looks to recognise a match official who has the determination and drive to ensure everyone plays fair.

Leila deserves to be recognised for both her remarkable dedication to the game and the incredible journey she's been on, which now sees her refereeing in Sussex. She overcame fleeing Iran for standing up for women's rights, to now championing the women's game in Sussex frequently officiating at Women's Recreational Football Festivals, which sums up her character perfectly.

Back in Iran, Leila was a champion of fighting for the rights of women, from her position as a player on their women's futsal national team. She has always been a fighter and defender of women’s rights, and never wanted to wear the scarf or the hijab, and that was seen as unacceptable.

She never wanted to be used as simply a political tool; for example, in parades, her and her teammates would often find themselves put at the front with the Iran flag to show the public how ‘important’ women’s sport was. But this pressure from the regime saw Leila make the decision to leave Iran.

Before she left, she gave a lecture to the students at the university she was working at, reminding them that in her room they never needed to wear a headscarf, and she encouraged them to push back against the regime. She had been fighting for women’s rights for years and knew that it was only a matter of time before the authorities acted.

Leila had previously been imprisoned for three months, for speaking out prior to the countries Presidential elections and so when a letter arrived summoning her to court once again, she knew she had to leave, because there was no fair court waiting for her. So, with just €500 to her name, she fled the country to start again from scratch and ended up here in Sussex.

Leila stands out due to her remarkable determination and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. Leaving Iran when she did, Leila was not just leaving all her family and friends, but her whole life, including qualifications she'd spent years of her life working towards. To go through such an experience and, not just build a new life for yourself, but also give up your time to bring the joy of football into the lives of other people, is truly commendable.

To find out more about the England Football Grassroots Awards please contact: