Footballing Greats Honoured at the Spencer Chadderton Northwest Football Awards 2025
The stars of the North West football community gathered at the prestigious Spencer Chadderton Northwest Football Awards (NWFA) 2025, held at the Manchester Deansgate Hotel this evening (3rd November 2025), hosted by Hayley McQueen and Dion Dublin, to celebrate outstanding achievements both on and off the pitch across the region’s clubs, individuals, and organisations.
Hosted in front of a packed audience of footballing greats, leaders, and industry professionals, the NWFA, now in its 18th year, once again celebrated the talent, dedication, and community spirit that define football in the North West, arguably the greatest footballing region in the country.
The NWFA was proud to recognise those making exceptional contributions within the game, while also paying heartfelt tribute to two inspirational figures whose legacies continue to shape football, the late Matt Beard and the late Joe Thompson.
Emotional tributes and standing ovations honoured both men, who sadly passed away earlier this year but have left an enduring impact on the sport and all who knew them. The Matt Beard Women’s Manager of the Season Award was presented by Matt’s brother, Mark Beard, to Manchester United Women’s Manager, Marc Skinner, while Joe Thompson’s wife and daughter, Chantelle and Thailula, took to the stage to present the Joe Thompson Impact Award to Mo Marley MBE, recognising her extraordinary contribution to the women’s game.
In one of the evening’s most memorable moments, Manchester United legend Bryan Robson OBE was honoured with the Maurice Watkins CBE Lifetime Contribution Award. The former United and England captain received a standing ovation as he accepted the award, recognising his remarkable contribution to football as both a player, a manager, and an ambassador for the sport.
Laura Wolfe, from the Northwest Football Awards and Founder of event management company Road3, said: “Tonight has been a truly inspiring celebration of everything that makes football in the North West so special. As we say every year, football clubs are at the heart of their communities, and we are proud to be able to shine a light on the
incredible work happening across all levels of the game - from grassroots to the elite - and to celebrate those making a difference across the region.”
Spencer Chadderton, sponsor of the Awards, added: “The Northwest Football Awards mean so much to the clubs, players, and communities that define this incredible region - and to my family personally. I’m proud to play a part in recognising the passion, dedication, and achievements of those who make football in the North West so extraordinary. Congratulations to all of this evening’s deserving winners.”
Now in its 18th year, the Northwest Football Awards continues to champion the very heart of the game across the region, from grassroots to the Premier League and Women’s Super League - recognising excellence, inclusivity, and the community commitment that make the North West the true home of football.
A full list of winners can be found below or at: www.northwestfootballawards.com
Spencer Chadderton Northwest Football Awards 2025 - WINNERS
Community Club of the Season - All Other Leagues
Blackburn Rovers Community Trust
Community Club of the Season - Premier League
LFC Foundation
Community Initiative of the Season - All Other Leagues
Burnley FC in the Community - Changing the STEM Story in Burnley
Highly Commended: Stockport County Community Trust - Kits By County
Community Initiative of the Season - Premier League
Everton in the Community - BEAT Breathlessness Hub
Women in Football Promoting Inclusion Award - League
Oldham Athletic Community Trust X Active Through Football
Women in Football Promoting Inclusion Award - Non League
Altrincham FC Community Sports - Alty Ability Programme
Best Business or Professional Services Organisation Serving Football
Brabners LLP
Highly Commended: En2End (E2E) Sports Activation and Events Agency
Fan Media, Influencer, Channel or Podcast of the Season
The Scarf Bergara Wore
Northwest Football Journalist of the Season
James Ducker - The Daily & Sunday Telegraph
Northwest Football Broadcaster of the Season
Natalie Pike
Joe Thompson Impact Award
Mo Marley MBE
Presented by the family of Joe Thompson
Fabrica Muamba Award for Outstanding Services to Football Medicine and Performance (in
association with the FMPA)
Paul Kelly
Manager of the Season
Arne Slot
Matt Beard Women’s Manager of the Season
Marc Skinner
Presented by the family of Matt Beard
Maurice Watkins CBE Lifetime Achievement Award
Bryan Robson OBE