J.Ellis Football wins National Award!

J.Ellis Football is incredibly proud to have been named one of the winners of Sage’s Behind the Badge competition in late 2025, a national initiative delivered by Sage in partnership with the English Football League that celebrates and supports the small, local organisations that form the backbone of their communities.

Behind the Badge was created to recognise 72 outstanding local businesses and organisations - one connected to each EFL club - that play a vital role in keeping communities thriving. Following thousands of nominations from football fans across the country, the winners were selected for the positive impact they have beyond matchdays, whether through community engagement, inclusion, or contribution to local life.

Winners from across the Country!

The campaign was fronted by Gary Neville, bringing national attention to the powerful relationship between football, community, and small organisations working at a local level. For J.Ellis Football, being recognised alongside businesses and community groups from across the EFL network was a significant moment and a powerful endorsement of the work being done at grassroots level.

EFL x Sage

As part of the initiative, J.Ellis Football was proudly connected with Southampton FC as our local EFL club, strengthening the link between the professional game and the grassroots foundations that support it. The connection reflects the shared belief that football is at its strongest when communities are placed at the heart of everything.

Founder James Ellis said:

“I’m incredibly proud of this recognition. Winning Sage Behind the Badge represents just how much effort, care, and commitment has gone into building J.Ellis Football over the last four years. Since our inception in 2022, we’ve worked hard to create a genuine community where participants, families, and coaches feel supported and valued. To have that recognised nationally means a huge amount.”

Looking ahead, Ellis added:

“This is also a marker of where we’re going next. As we move towards our fifth birthday, there are massive plans in place to keep growing, improving opportunities, and strengthening what we offer our community. This award gives us real momentum moving forward.”

J. Ellis Football has been running since 2022!