The nominees for the North West Football Awards have been announced and there’s quite a selection on offer. From Female Rising Star to Fan TV Channel of the Year, the awards aim to focus on all aspects of the game and recognise the talent that the North West has an abundance of.
The awards are entering their tenth year and each year their popularity and influence has grown massively, notably due to its inclusive approach to the game in the region.
North West football, especially this year due to the form of Manchester United and Manchester City, is progressing at a rapid level.
BBC Radio Manchester Sport Journalist Liam Bradford gave his thoughts on being asked to be a judge at this year’s awards, the current state of North West football on the whole and the rise of women’s football.
“I think women’s football is on the rise not just in the North, but in the whole country”, said Bradford.
“They’ve got themselves a fantastic product in the WSL and the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City Women really striving to put it further on the map can only be a good thing.”
Nominees that would not necessarily be up for an award on a national scale are given a chance to be recognised for their achievements over the past year and awarded on the part they have played in making the sport what it is.
Managing Director of the awards, Laura Wolfe (pictured above), said, “As a region, we continue to be highly visible on the international stage across all levels of the game, from Manchester United’s Europa League victory to Blackpool’s playoff success and Manchester City Women’s incredible domestic treble.
“The scene has changed a lot but I think the appetite and the passion is still as big as it ever was, if not growing.”
She gave her thoughts on how much North West football has progressed in recent years and where she sees the state of North West football in ten years to come.
The North West football scene is undeniably one of the best in the country, with 24 teams representing the North West across the different leagues. Despite stiff competition from other areas, it is clear that the scene is progressing rather than in decline, and it will be interesting to see the changes and improvements that will inevitably start to prevail over the next few years.
Given permission for all images from Liam Bradford and Laura Wolfe
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