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The High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire Community Shield brought communities together in celebration of unity, sport, and diversity as local teams from across the county competed in this year’s tournament.

Held at the David Ross Sports Village, situated at the University of Nottingham’s University Park Campus, on Saturday 27 September, the event featured teams representing each of Nottinghamshire’s districts and boroughs. Teams included Broxtowe, Rushcliffe, Gedling, Newark & Sherwood, Ashfield, Mansfield, and Nottingham City, playing in a competitive yet friendly 9-a-side round robin format.

After a day of exciting football, the team representing Nottingham City successfully defended their title, claiming a second successive Community Shield victory.

The event, organised by Grant Sports UK, was established to use football as a force for good, promoting unity, wellbeing, and positive engagement among diverse communities. The High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire’s vision is for the tournament to become a flagship annual event, representing the full breadth and identity of Nottinghamshire, much like the Robin Hood Cup.

This year’s High Sheriff, Ed Attenborough, serves as the King’s representative for law and order in the county. The role, which dates back over a thousand years, focuses on promoting community cohesion, supporting local charities, and recognising the achievements of individuals and groups who contribute positively to society.

Support for the event has already been pledged by the Nottinghamshire FA, Nottingham City Council, University of Nottingham, Notts County Foundation and East Midlands Councils, underlining its growing importance as a key date in the county’s sporting calendar.

Representatives from Nottingham Forest Community Trust and Nottingham Forest Football Club were in attendance, reaffirming the Forest’s collective commitment to celebrating diversity and inclusion across Nottinghamshire.

Several players taking part in the tournament were former participants of the Forest Futures programme, a Community Trust initiative that provides young people with employability skills, mentoring, and volunteering opportunities to help them reach their full potential. Their involvement was a positive reminder of how community engagement and sport can continue to shape brighter futures.

Forest’s involvement with the tournament followed Nottingham Forest’s Windrush Conference earlier this year at the City Ground, which celebrated the contribution of the Windrush generation to English football. That event featured guest speakers including Viv Anderson MBE, Jason Lee, and representatives from the PFA and Kick It Out, reinforcing the club’s ongoing commitment to promoting equality and inclusion.

Speaking after the event, Arron Cuttriss, Community Engagement Manager at Nottingham Forest Community Trust, said:

“It was fantastic to see so many teams and communities coming together to represent their areas and celebrate what makes Nottinghamshire special.

“Events like this demonstrate how football can unite people, promote inclusion, and inspire community cohesion.

We’re very proud to have supported the High Sheriff’s Community Shield and look forward to next year’s tournament.”

Cephas Grant, CEO and Founder of Grant Sports Organisation, said:

“The Community Shield is all about bringing people together through football and celebrating the diversity and unity that make Nottinghamshire special.

“It was fantastic to see teams from across the county competing in such great spirit, and having Nottingham Forest and the Community Trust in attendance added real value to the day.

“Their support helps strengthen the message that football can unite communities and create positive opportunities for everyone.”

Images: S.H Photos