Photo credit Just A Ball Game?
Big Kick Energy wins Just A Ball Game? 2025 award for LGBTQ+ inclusion
Surprise salver for Suzi — Comedian Suzi Ruffell was left stunned in Nottingham last Saturday night (6 December 2025) when campaigners from Just A Ball Game? (JBG?) turned up after her solo show to present the 2025 Annual Award for LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Visibility to the Big Kick Energy podcast, hosted by Suzi Ruffell and Maisie Adam.
Podcasters honoured for pushing for change
The engraved English Rose award recognises the podcast’s sustained advocacy and positive influence in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion across the women’s game. Big Kick Energy, which has built a devoted following over more than two-and-a-half years, mixes humour, sharp insight and player interviews in near‑weekly episodes that chart the rise of women’s football.
The show has been praised for regularly highlighting LGBTQ+ stories, challenging harmful stereotypes and elevating voices from within the community — a thread of support that campaigners say matters on and off the pitch.
Comedy with a purpose
Lindsay (the founder of JBG?) added praise for the podcast’s approach: «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 be more welcoming for everyone». Big Kick Energy responded with delight: «Massive thanks to Just A Ball Game? 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».
Why the award matters
The accolade highlights how the podcast has made complex and sensitive subjects easier to approach, reaching listeners who might not otherwise engage with inclusion conversations. JBG? says the recognition underlines the importance of media that supports diversity in women’s football and across the sport more broadly.
Just A Ball Game? has been campaigning for 15 years to increase LGBTQ+ visibility and foster inclusive culture in football and other sports. The award celebrates projects that show meaningful impact, creativity and sustained community engagement — and this year the trophy goes to a podcast that has turned laughs into a platform for change.