Now’s the time to make votes count
THE CONCLUSION of another rollercoaster ride of a season is almost upon us so it’s time to plan your holidays and get ready for the Euros instead.
But before you bring out the budgie smugglers and tune up your vocal chords for another summer of ‘Football’s Coming Home’, there’s one very important thing still left to do.
For the last few weeks in The NLP, we have been counting down the weeks to the 202324 National Game Awards, which will be held this year on Wednesday May 22 at AFC Wimbledon’s Plough Lane Stadium.
We’ve run through each of the 14 prize categories, explaining what it entails and asking you, the loyal supporters of the Non-League game, to nominate someone you think fitting to receive the top gong.
With honours still to play for, this year’s NGAs are very much up for grabs so what better time to give your team, star man, top fan or most valued volunteer the best chance of being honoured in NonLeague football’s most prized ceremony.
Once again, we are delighted to confirm that Isuzu UK have agreed to become title sponsors this year, adding The NGAs to their current sponsorship of the FA Trophy and FA Vase competitions.
Isuzu UK have become a driving force behind grassroots football in the community with a large number of dealerships from all over the country, becoming actively involved in their local clubs.
We remain proud and hugely grateful for their support and look forward to working closely with the Isuzu UK team, especially when it comes to selecting the winner of our much-loved Unsung Hero Award.
The NGAs have become a Non-League institution over the years – and that’s largely due to the strong backing it receives, both commercially and from you, the supporters, at all levels of the game, up and down the country.
With the ceremony just over three weeks away, time is running out for your chance to vote. But with promotions and cup honours still very much up for grabs, you can still have your say on who, from the great and good of the NonLeague game, will be taking home those now famous glass decanters.
Chesterfield fans, your title-winning Spireites still need your backing to take home the Acerbis Team of the Year award, similarly those keen to vote in a winner for the Nets Goal of the Season.
The Reusch Goalkeeper of the Year award is as competitive as ever with several top stoppers in the frame, similarly the Sports Ground Development Manager of the Year award with numerous top bosses enjoying a season to remember.
The 1000GBP Player of the Year and Sportsbeat Young Player of the Year are two awards which always spark much interest, as is the Step 3/4 Player of the Year, honouring those outside of the top two divisions.
Maidstone United will naturally start as favourites for The FA’s Cup Run of the Year award for their memorable FA Cup exploits, while Ramsgate’s 50-goal striker Joe Taylor is a leading contender for the SK Kits Golden Boot award, but can still yet be usurped.
Off the field, it’s even more difficult for our judges to call. We could literally hand Fan of the Year to any one of the many die-hards already nominated, similarly the ever popular Isuzu Unsung Hero award and Moving Forward Sports Community Club of the Year, which recognises the tremendous work put in so often by so many.
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) Away Day Experience is always a proud award for clubs to get their hands on with the ultimate honour, The NLP Lifetime Achievement award, all ready to be passed on to the next legendary recipient.
The destiny of our decanters is in your hands, so get those votes in by the May 7 deadline and join us in raising a toast to our worthy winners.