On-the-field matters may be the most important thing at the elite end of the professional game, but with so many Non-League clubs just happy to be in the heart of their local communities, sucess can be measured in different ways.
That’s why we honour those clubs who go that extra mile – and this year’s National Game Awards, in association with the UK’s fastest growing builders’ merchants Buildbase, are no different.
Once again, the Community Club of the Year Award is backed by The Football Foundation, who pump £30m into grassroots football every year, helping clubs to build or improve their facilities for the good of not just players and fans, but local people too.
With so many Non-League clubs doing their bit for their cities, towns and villages, we want you to have your say and let us know who should pick up the coveted prize.
We’ve had some worthy winners over the years. In 2016, Dulwich Hamlet took home the award thanks to a variety of initiatives, such as free tickets for local schools and charity games to raise funds for refugees.
A year later, Sutton United’s efforts to open up their Gander Green Lane home to over 40 clubs – including youth, ladies and disability teams – and breathe life into the community, was enough to bag them NGA recognition.
While last season, Lewes‘ superb work in their local community saw the club come away with the award in May.
At the start of the campaign the Rooks became the first professional or semi-professional football club to give their women’s side the same budget as the men’s team. This fantastic initiative led to the establishment of ‘Equality FC’, who continue to break new ground within the women’s game.
By providing special ticket offers, a 3G facility next to their unique Dripping Pan home, kids’ coaching – regularly attended by first team players – and coaching in schools, Lewes are a club with community at their core.
Like many of our awards, we need you to help us highlight the best of Non-League so we make sure to pick the most deserving winner come May.
All you need to do is tell us who you think deserves recognition and why in less than 200 words. Forward your nomination to us at [email protected]
How to vote:
- Email your vote to [email protected]
- Tweet your vote using the hashtag #NGAVOTES
- Send your vote via post to The Non-League Paper, Tuition House, St George’s Rd, Wimbledon, SW19 4EU
