IT'S that time of the year again – The Non-League Paper's National Game Awards, in association with Budweiser Club Futures, is back… and even better than ever!
Here at The NLP we consider it our duty to honour the great and the good once the league seasons are concluded, but as you know there's no way we can do that on our own.
As ever we need you – our loyal readers – to make sure the correct player, manager or incredible clubman is crowned on May 13 at Fulham's Craven Cottage.
And this year, there is going to be an additional pair of hands at the ready to pitch in in preparation for the big day in west London.
We are proud to announce we have enlisted the specialist eye of England C manager Paul Fairclough, who has come on board this year as an ambassador.
The Barnet director of football said: “I've attended the last few National Game Awards and they've become an integral part of the Non-League calendar.
“I was honoured to be given a Lifetime Achievement award last year at Craven Cottage, and it's something I was very humbled by. This time around I've been asked to be an ambassador and I am delighted to accept.”
Over the next few months we'll keep with tradition and use our pages to give you some guidance, reintroducing each award and suggesting some worthy recipients.
Budweiser's unrelenting support of not just the NGA's but grass-roots football is demonstrated once again with the vital Club Futures programme putting their name to the bash for a second season running.
They will also sponsor the Unsung Hero award, with Our Game Football getting behind the Player of the Year accolade.
The Pro Direct Soccer Golden Boot is always one for those that love their scoring stats, whilst Mercury Sports Products are powering the Team of the Year. Reusch are back – typically they're making the Goalkeeper of the Year award possible, with BetBright joining the party with the Step 3 & 4 main man.
We're delighted that Toolstation are involved for 2014. They're backing the Cup Run of the Year, with long-term partners Power Horse the driving force behind the prestigious Lifetime Achievement.
Who better than Huck Nets to back Goal of the season, the PFA's Fair Play Award and the Football Foundation for the Community Club gong?
Our friends at Sportsbeat are back looking after the Young Player, with William Hill also returning to help with the Fan of the Year. S&C Slatter will present the Manager of the Year with his trophy whilst the FA naturally behind the England C award.
So when can you vote? There's no time like the present… send your nominations through now to ngavotes@greenwayspublishing.com!
