JUST A BALL GAME? HONORS “BIG KICK ENERGY PODCAST” WITH 2025 AWARD.

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JUST A BALL GAME? HONORS “BIG KICK ENERGY PODCAST”  WITH 2025 AWARD FOR LGBT+ INCLUSION AND VISIBILITY.

Although delayed from last month JUST A BALL GAME? (JBG?) today announced that their 2025 Annual Award For LGBT+ Inclusion and Visibility has been presented to the BIG KICK ENERGY PODCAST, (BKE) hosted by comedians Suzi Ruffell and Maisie Adam.

The engraved ’English Rose’ award recognises the show’s sustained advocacy, visibility and positive influence in promoting LGBT+ inclusion across the women’s game.

BKE has built a devoted audience for more than 2.5 years by blending humour, insight, informed commentary, and interviews with players during in near-weekly episodes that track the growth of women’s football. They regularly highlight LGBT+ stories, challenge harmful stereotypes and elevate voices from within the community with a central thread showing support that matters both on and off the pitch.

JBG? co-chair Ste and founder Lindsay, surprised Ruffell after one of her solo shows in Nottingham, with a silver salver to mark the honour.

“Suzi and Maisie use humour and insight to open up important conversations around equality, inclusion and diversity in football,” said Ste. “Their work has helped an LGBT+ presence in the women’s game and created a safe space for fans and players to feel seen and supported.”

Ruffell clearly surprised thanked the non-profit organisation and excitedly showed others at the venue the award before posing for photos.

JBG? founder Lindsay also praised the podcast’s role and says, “Suzi and Maisie have shown how humour can be a powerful tool for change by bringing to attention real issues faced while keeping the door open for laughs. That combination is helping the sport more welcoming for everyone.”

The award is showcasing the podcast has made complex and sensitive subjects easier to approach, reaching audiences that may not otherwise engage with inclusion conversations. This recognition from JBG? underpins the importance of media that supports diversity in women’s football and across all football more broadly.

BKE had this this to say, "Massive thanks to Just A Ball Game? for this award from everyone at BKE. We love making Big Kick every week and whilst it is mostly extremely silly, taking time to discuss and highlight issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community within football will always be a priority for us. Receiving an award recognising this part of Big Kick specifically is a delight and a lovely thing."

 Just A Ball Game? has been an advocacy organisation for 15 years and is dedicated to increasing LGBT+ visibility and fostering inclusive culture within football and other sports. The award celebrates individuals and projects that demonstrate meaningful impact, creativity and sustained approaches who have partnered or worked alongside their community outreach.