Former CAFE Managing Director Joyce Cook has been honoured with a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) in the 2018 Queen's New Year Honours List, for her services to sport and accessibility.

The New Year Honours is a long-standing part of the British Honours system, recognising those who have made outstanding contributions within their fields.

Speaking to FIFA.com, Joyce said, "It’s a very proud moment for me, and my family. The World Health Organisation considers more than 20 per cent of the global population to be disabled, yet there are very few disabled people in senior positions at this time, especially in the sports sector. The award recognises the work I’ve been involved in for a long time".

Joyce was a founding director of CAFE in 2011, and overseen many great strides as our Managing Director until her departure in October 2016. Joyce then took up the role of FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer, where she is overseeing the delivery of FIFA’s investment in football development through FIFA’s 211 member associations, under the FIFA Forward Programme.

Joyce added, "As a disabled person working for FIFA, and a member of the Management Board, I have a responsibility as a role model. I’m proud that FIFA is showing its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and I hope that I can continue to help show the way forward, using my personal and professional experiences to continue to build programs, and enhance football fan experiences and inclusion around the world for disabled people, including those attending the 2018 FIFA World Cup".

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said, "The CBE Award is well-deserved recognition of Joyce’s long-standing commitment to disabled football fans. Her passion and commitment to strive for higher standards and accessibility has been relentless. Her refusal to let her own disability act as any barrier, is a huge inspiration. On behalf of the entire FIFA administration, I want to express my heartfelt congratulations to Joyce for this huge honour".

As well as her previous role at CAFE, Joyce is also a former Chair of Level Playing Field, board member of FARE and the Sports Ground Safety Authority, and director at Women in Football. She had previously been awarded an OBE in the 2012 New Year Honours List.

CAFE Managing Director Joanna Deagle said, "The CAFE team is so proud of all of Joyce's achievements, and we congratulate her on this wonderful honour. Joyce, more than anyone before her, put access and inclusion right at the top of football's agenda and her commitment to the topic has led to many huge strides towards a game that is welcoming to all. Well done Joyce Cook CBE!"

For more information, please visit FIFA.com.