A charity set up by a former footballer has been shortlisted for a national award.

The Russell Martin Foundation (RMF) which delivers football, education and health programmes across Brighton and Hove and the county has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Football Business Awards which take place in London on May 26.

The foundation, set up by Martin in 2017, has been shortlisted in the category of best non-Premier League football community scheme for its work in providing opportunities for disadvantaged and disabled young people to play and learn through football.

Albion in the Community, the charitable arm of Brighton and Hove Albion, has also been shortlisted as a finalist for the best Premier League football community scheme.

The Argus: Russell Martin coaching Russell Martin coaching (Image: RMF)

Alan Sanders, chief executive of the Russell Martin Foundation, and former joint managing director of Albion in the Community, said: "We have come a long way in such a short space of time and are incredibly proud to have been named as a finalist in the Football Business Awards. It’s great to be recognised nationally and by the football industry for the great work we do across Sussex.”

“This is also a reward for Russell and the rest of our team who work tirelessly to make a difference and make football accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or ability.”

The charity, based in Southwick employs 50 people and was recognised in its submission for its women and girls football programme and Extra Time - a project which helps young people in Brighton and Hove, Worthing and Chichester get back into mainstream education.

Russell Martin, current head coach of Swansea City, is from Brighton and attended Varndean College.

He left Albion as a youth player and joined non-league Lewes FC.

The Football Business Awards celebrate the best of the business of football, recognising and rewarding excellence and innovation across the industry. The awards are judged by a panel of experts from within the football industry, including former players, journalists, and business leaders.

RMF announced it was bringing football back to an abandoned ground in Southwick last month.