The winners of the Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards (NWFA) 2023 have been revealed. More than 500 guests from across the football world attended the star studded event, hosted by broadcasters, Eilidh Barbour and Dion Dublin, at The Point at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. Winners were crowned in a range of player categories, as well as in a raft of other honours for clubs and communities.

The Fabrice Muamba Award for Outstanding Service to Football Medicine & Performance was presented to Alan Raw by Fabrice Muamba himself on Monday 6th November 2023.

Alan Raw began his career at Southend United FC in 1984 until he joined Bury FC  with Stan Ternant and Neil Warnock in 1992.  During that time, physiotherapist Alan trained as a podiatrist to “help out”.
 
Ten years later, Alan moved to Manchester City where he worked alongside the likes of Kevin Keagan and Stuart Pearson.
 
In 2008, Alan decided it was time for retirement.  However, Oldham Athletic had other ideas and asked him to help out for a “couple of weeks”. Twelve months later he once again planned his retirement.
 
A telephone call from AFC Fylde Manager, Dave Chaloner, put pay to that with another request to help out for a “couple of weeks” which again led to a 12 month stay at the club!
 
Alongside his career, Alan has helped in the recruitment of staff and mentored at Rochdale and Ramsbottom as well as charity work.
 
At 76, Alan is back at Bury FC mentoring and helping the young staff and is back, part of the team yet again!
 
Congratulations Alan.