ONCE the dust settles and we assess the National Game Awards, our thoughts often drift back to the category which we believe means the most to the person in possession of a glass decanter.
Every year we welcome managers, players, directors and personnel from all across the country. Some have put in the miles to make it to west London, setting off in the early hours. Some don't even know why we've asked them along.
That's often the case with one very special award we take pride in presenting every year.
‘We couldn't do it without you' is said a lot at the end of every season, but with the William Hill Fan of the Year that is quite literally the case – it just can't work without your help.
Passion
It's quite rare that the Fan of the Year isn't one of the most memorable. Why? Because the person walking out with an NGA in a box under their arm always has passion for football flowing through their body.
But, while covering as many grounds as our team possibly can every year, we can't be in a hundred places at once.
That's why we are welcoming your input more than ever before – it's our duty to ensure the right person leaves Stamford Bridge with their name engraved on the award on Wednesday May 17.
This is where you come in. Do you know a super fan who travels the length and breadth of the country to back their team, come rain or come shine? What about a behind-the-scenes hero? That volunteer who balances a hectic life at home with their love for Non-League football.
We want to hear if your club has a supporter who has reached a significant milestone after years of dedication. Please, put that person forward and our team will sit down and study the candidates to make certain we've got the right Fan of the Year!
It's fair to say we got our man nearly ten months ago. Many of us have to travel to see our side in action, but Will Chaundy really does go the extra mile.
The cerebral palsy sufferer made sure he only missed one game last season as he travelled from Great Malvern to Hereford – and what a season it was as the Bulls came so close to a first-year quadruple!
What he said after summed it up. It's the reason we make sure this NGA returns year after year.
“When I got the invitation in the post, I phoned my brother and neither him or me could believe it” he said. “I didn't understand it to start with, but it has been a wonderful afternoon.”
Now we need to find this year's worthy recipient – and we need you to help us deliver a day they will never forget!
NGA 2016-17 List of Awards
Mark Harrod Player of the Year
Sportsbeat Young Player of the Year
FieldTurf Manager of the Year
Reusch Goalkeeper of the Year
SK Kits Golden Boot
Brandon Hire Step 3 & 4 Player of the Year
Red Insure Team of the Year
Acerbis Cup Run of the Year
Huck Nets Goal of the Season
William Hill Fan of the Year
The Football Foundation Community Club of the Year
The PFA Fair Play Award
SCL Unsung Hero
The FA England C Player of the Year
Marathonbet Non-League Challenge Goal Celebration of the Year
The Non-League Paper Lifetime Achievement
How to vote
Please email ngavotes@greenwayspublishing.com to cast your vote or use #NGAvotes on Twitter or via post to The Non-League Paper, Tuition House, St George's Road, Wimbledon SW19 4EU
SCL are a government approved post-16 education provider in the sports sector who run Academy programmes with over 60 football, rugby and cricket, professional and grass roots sports clubs, foundations and community trusts. Find out more at www.wearescl.co.uk/education
