The MFCA has chosen to honor the legacy of long-time Secretary Treasurer Paul Martel, HOF '92 who served from the founding of the Association in 1978 through 2011. It is in the spirit of recognising  extordinary service that the Paul Martel Award is given.

The winner will be selected by the MFCA Martel Award Committee, including Coach Martel, and recognised each year at the MFCA State Convention Hall of Fame Banquet.

Nominees must have demonstrated a level of committment to the MFCA beyond expectations. This coach should have worked towards the mission of the MFCA to PROTECT, PRESERVE, and PASS-ON the game of football in the state of Missouri. He can be a current, or retired high school football coach in Missouri. 

Our first reciepient was Robert Penn, HOF 2001. Coach Penn spent much of his career at Brentwood High School. In his tenure with the MFCA he was instramental with developing summer 7-on-7 rules with MSHSAA, the introduction of summer football camps, and the establishment of the MFCA Hall of Fame in it's current location at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in Springfield, Missouri.