NGAs bring back an air of normality

OUR ANNUAL National Game Awards look a bit different this year. No pictures of the winners suited and booted, no celebration at Stamford Bridge as we had originally planned. The 2019-20 season was never completed and played out like we had all hoped – and expected until the Covid-19 pandemic changed every part of daily life.

But we still wanted to recognise all the people who have given us so much joy since the season kicked off in August.

So, instead we held a more understated awards with a slight change in categories to ensure players at every level saw their efforts hailed.

The NGAs always highlights the passion and knowledge our loyal readers have for the game – and the good work that is being done off the pitch too.

Wealdstone were crowned champions of the National League South. The Stones have clearly worked as a team because their Player of the Year votes were split around six different members of their title-winning squad!

In contrast, FC United fans were so convinced Tunde Owolabi should walk off with the NPL Premier prize they even voted for him in other leagues! It shows how much they love their hot-shot striker.

The Football Foundation Community Club of the Year is always a closely-fought contest. We think we’ve picked a deserving winner in Chatham Town. Their outreach efforts during the crisis as a Step 5 club has been particularly inspiring.

There was a case for all the clubs nominated in the category – Marine, FC United, Guiseley and Bath City to name a few – are all running great initiatives on their own doorsteps.

It only goes to reinforce the belief that, when football returns, the Non-League game will continue to do fantastic work. It’s the positivity and good news we all need in this difficult time.