The prestigious Contribution to League Football and Sir Tom Finney Award were issued at the EFL Awards 2024.

• Crysencio Summerville named the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Season

• Kieran McKenna wins the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Season

• See who made the EFL Team of the Season line-ups

• Charlton Athletic claim the EFL's Community Club of the Season

• Wes Burns wins Goal of the Season

• Blackburn Rovers scoop EFL Fan Engagement Award

See the winners below:

Contribution to League Football

Paul Stewart

In November 2016, former footballer Paul Stewart bravely went public as a victim of child sexual abuse. Being a high-profile former player himself – playing in the top division during his career for the likes of Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, as well as Blackpool, Sunderland and Stoke City – Stewart felt he had to speak up. Up until that day, he had carried his secret with him.

He wrote and released his book, ‘Damaged’ – a powerful and moving account of the devastating abuse he suffered as a child, the aftermath of the abuse and the many times he wished he could end his life. Since then, he has dedicated his life to working on safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults, especially in football. 

In 2023, he received an honorary Doctorate from the University of Salford for his work in safeguarding and now has his own company which provides safeguarding education. Stewart has also worked closely with the EFL’s Safeguarding team and League Football Education (LFE), carrying out talks to academy players, parents and staff.

The impact of his work in safeguarding across the sport is immeasurable, but undoubtedly the footballing community is a safer place for all because of his efforts. 

Stewart said: "I want to dedicate this award to all those who had the dream I did, to be a footballer, but little did I know that was the dream that lead to me suffering physical and sexual abuse.

"Since I started working with the life skills team six years ago, I was really unsure how it would be received but it really has been a journey of discovery which has helped me with my own recovery which was something I never expected.

"Now, when I visit the Clubs, it is heartwarming to see how the attitude and development of these youngsters has changed. I think that is a great testament and credit to the EFL and the life skills programme."

Each year, the EFL celebrates and recognises the career of someone who has shown outstanding commitment and dedication by presenting a Contribution to League Football Award. The Contribution to League Football Award is the EFL’s most prestigious award and is presented annually to an individual who has given a lifetime of service to the professional game, making a significant impact.  

This award is the highest honour bestowed by the EFL Board, with highly respected people within the game who have made a significant contribution to the League over the years having previously claimed the accolade. 

Sir Tom Finney Award

Luke Chambers

Former Northampton Town, Nottingham Forest, Ipswich Town and Colchester United defender Luke Chambers has played in all three EFL divisions across a playing career spanning two decades.

Having first made his professional debut for the Cobblers against Mansfield Town back in May 2003, he quickly established himself as a regular in the side, going on to be handed the Club captaincy. Since then, the 38-year-old has clocked 455 Championship appearances​, 155 League One appearances ​and 157 League Two appearances, placing him seventh in the list of all-time EFL appearance makers.

Chambers has two promotions on his CV – with Northampton and Forest. His first success came with the Cobblers who finished as runners-up in League Two in 2005/06, before going up in second place from League One with the Tricky Trees in 2007/08.

Wearing the armband for the Tractor Boys between 2014 and 2021, he was a player who wore his heart on his sleeve, acting as a role model to many ​by being as a true professional.

Chambers said: "I believe I led my career being as selfless as possible, being the captain of every Club I played for and trying to lead in the best way I knew how, but obviously always putting my teammates and the Club first.

"I jumped straight out of football and needed a bit of time away from the game because I'd given absolutely everything, so I haven't really taken stock of everything that I did. To be recognised at the end of 20 years of giving absolutely everything is absolutely unbelievable."

The Sir Tom Finney Award is given out by the EFL in recognition of player who has made an outstanding contribution to football and the League. To be eligible for the 2024 Award, players must have been retired ahead of the start of the 2023/24 season. ​

The award was renamed in honour of Preston North End and England legend, Sir Tom Finney, following his death in 2014. Sir Tom’s talent, loyalty and commitment marked him out as an exceptional player and model professional.