‘The North West is a hotbed of football talent & only one event acknowledges the region's unsung heroes’

Manchester is preparing once again for the most glamorous night of the football calendar.

Each year, The Northwest Football Awards (NWFA) recognises the achievements of those from right across the local football pyramid, from Premier League stars to volunteer staff members. Now in its 17th year, the awards showcases what makes the North West such a vibrant spot on the football landscape, with prizes given not just on the playing side, but also in areas such as business, media coverage, youth players and community work across men’s and women’s football.

As a veteran of the professional game, Danny Webber knows all too well the sacrifices that footballers must make to reach the very top. But he’s also experienced the other side, with spells in the lower leagues and non-league complementing his post-playing career in punditry and sports management.

Knowing the sport so well, he was an ideal candidate to be a judge once again this year and said he is looking forward to toasting the triumphs and successes of countless people over the last 12 months.

“It is a celebration of the good work that everyone does and a chance to cast an eye on who we have lost as well. We can share a moment, celebrate, network and plan for the year ahead,” he told Manchester World in a recent interview. “It’s a great occasion to bring so many people together all with football at the core of it.

“Football helps to bring people together and revitalise areas, galvanise people. That’s not just the bigger clubs, it’s right across the pyramid. I always like seeing the team behind the team.

“When you go to awards you see how much it means. The work they do can often go unseen and it’s some of the most powerful work that is needed within communities. That is high on the priorities.

“There are so many unsung heroes,” adds Webber, whose association with the NWFAs stretches back for nearly a decade. “Every club has it and even from a playing perspective, there are so many people who do their jobs well to enable you to go out and just play football.

“You have got to recognise it and the extension of the community. The work that is done in schools with underprivileged children brings so much awareness. It’s nice that some of the unsung heroes are recognised with awards and nominations. It can feel thankless when you work really hard and no-one notices what you do. Thankfully, the Northwest Football Awards notice everyone from top to bottom.”

But what makes the North West so unique and why does an area of less than 6,000 square miles routinely produce such talented and dedicated players, clubs and people?

“I think that there is a grit to the areas and football is born out of that,” opines Webber, the former Manchester United, Doncaster Rovers, Accrington Stanley and Salford City striker. “Manchester, Liverpool and the surrounding areas, there is a real community field and it produces people and footballers who are hungry for success.

“In that competitive environment, success is born. If you add in the academy structures to the grassroots system, it shows the intensity of football in the area and from an academy perspective, the competition of players in the area means the levels are very high. It’s a hotbed of English football and it should be celebrated.”

Like most years, the 2024 NWFAs has four community awards, recognises eight player of the season winners across the various categories, highlights services to football medicine & performance, while The Maurice Watkins, CBE Lifetime Contribution Award is one of the most prestigious awards given out on the night.

In the North West’s rich and diverse football ecosystem, there is one thing that makes the NWFAs special. There’s not a blade of grass in sight, no smell of deep heat wafting overhead and there is certainly no place for shorts and socks. For one night of the year, this is a chance for everyone to squeeze into their glad rags.

“I’ve got my suit sorted. From last year it’ll be dry-cleaned,” jokes Webber. “Maybe I’ll change a jacket or something! But I’m looking forward to it. People’s achievements on and off the pitch should be celebrated.”

The 2024 Northwest Football Awards take place at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford on Monday 25 November. Manchester World will be reporting from the event, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled for all the latest news and to discover who walks away with the top prizes.