Long standing physiotherapist was recognised for his long standing service to football at the Northwest Football Awards held at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on Monday 25th November 2024.

Ian Liversedge who has worked consistently since 1982 at 18 clubs in and around the Northwest, was congratulated by colleagues and many in the game who have worked alongside him during this period. Ian received the Fabrice Muamba Award for Outstanding Service to Football Medicine & Performance (in association with the FMPA).

Eamonn Salmon FMPA CEO said “Ian has had a remarkable career spanning over 42 years in the professional game and including 18 clubs in that period. This award is in recognition of his long service to the game and given he is now back at Oldham Athletic 30 years after his spell there in the 90’s working with Joe Royale in the Premiership.”

Shining a light on the Northwest Community, this year’s Armstrong Northwest Football Awards highlights the very best of the region both on and off the pitch.

Both Manchester clubs feature heavily, with red Kobbie Mainoo winning the Rising Star award, while on the blue side of the city, Phil Foden claims the Men’s Player of the Season – Premier League, and Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw retains her title of Women’s Player of the Season – Barclays WSL & Barclays Women’s Championship.

The esteemed night of glamour honoured those across the football industry in the Northwest, with awards celebrating unsung heroes, community initiatives, lifetime contributions, and rising stars.

Liverpool, Everton, Burnley, Preston, and Stockport were also among the clubs taking home the honours.

The winners of the Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards (NWFA) 2024 have been revealed. 500 esteemed guests from across the footballing 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, alongside accolades for clubs, communities, and unsung heroes

After another phenomenal season, Manchester City once again took centre stage, with Phil Foden named Premier League Player of the Season and Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw earning the Women’s Player of the Season title for the second consecutive year. Manchester City teammate Khiara Keating was recognised as the Women’s Rising Star. For the red side of Manchester, Kobbie Mainoo collected the Men’s Rising Star award, capping off a sensational campaign for the England international.

In a heartfelt tribute, Ian Rush MBE was honoured with The Maurice Watkins CBE Lifetime Contribution Award, while the Billy Seymour Impact Award was presented to Joe Thompson for his continued inspirational impact on the footballing world.

Burnley FC Women’s Kirstie Levell was named Women’s Player of the Season for The FA Women’s National League, while Liam Lindsay, of Preston North End Football Club took home the Championships Player of the Season further showcasing talent in the Northwest region.

The community-focused aspect of football was also celebrated, with Everton in the Community retaining the title of Premier League Community Club of the Season, and Foundation 92 being recognised as the Community Club of the Season for all other leagues.

A special moment of acknowledgement came with the presentation of the Special Recognition Award for Services to Women’s Football to the legendary Manchester Corinthians, a club that has paved the way for generations of women in football.

Laura Wolfe, owner of the Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards, said: “What an incredible night. The talent on show this year, both on and off the pitch, continues to highlight the Northwest as a powerhouse of football. Congratulations to all the winners, finalists, and everyone who makes these awards so special – we have proved yet again that the power of the footballing community has the ability to bring the region together and we look forward to seeing clubs continue to make a positive difference.”

The awards not only celebrate footballing excellence but also honour the efforts of those working behind the scenes, with accolades such as the Fabrice Muamba Award for Outstanding Service to Football Medicine & Performance, which went to Ian Liversedge, and the Unsung Hero Award, which was presented to Dr Danielle Prescott.

Armstrong Projects’ Chris Hamlett added: “The Northwest Football Awards are a unique opportunity to champion the exceptional work being done across all levels of football in our region. Congratulations to all the winners and everyone involved in making this evening such a success.”

Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards 2024 – Full Winners List:

Community Initiative of the Season – Premier League (in association with the PFA) – Burnley FC in the Community – Academy in the Community

Community Initiative of the Season – All other Leagues (in association with the PFA) – Carlisle United Community Sports Trust – Komatsu Climate Heroes (HIGHLY COMMENDED)

 – Morecambe FC Community Foundation – Veterans Project

Community Club of the Season – All other Leagues (in association with the PFA) – Foundation 92

Community Club of the Season – Premier League (in association with the PFA) – Everton in the Community

Women in Football Promoting Inclusion Award – Burnley FC in the Community – Interfaith Partnership with Building Bridges Burnley (HIGHLY COMMENDED)

 – Cerebral Palsy United Football Club (Non-League Winner)

– Manchester United Foundation – Inclusive Reds (League Winner)

Best Club Marketing/Sponsorship or Engagement Campaign – Morecambe Football Club – #YourHomeFromHome Season Ticket Campaign

Business and Professional Services to Football – Foudys (HIGHLY COMMENDED)

– Saffery

Fan Media, Channel or Podcast of the Season – The Redmen TV

Northwest Football Broadcaster of the Season – Giulia Bould – BBC Radio Merseyside and BBC Sport

Northwest Football Journalist of the Season – David Ornstein – The Athletic

Unsung Hero Award – Dr Danielle Prescott

Rising Star – Kobbie Mainoo – Manchester United Football Club

Women’s Rising Star – Khiara Keating – Manchester City Women’s Football Club

Player of the Season – National League – James Norwood – Oldham Athletic AFC

Player of the Season – League Two – Fraser Horsfall – Stockport County Football Club

Player of the Season – League One – Sam Tickle – Wigan Athletic Football Club

Player of the Season – Championship – Liam Lindsay – Preston North End Football Club

Player of the Season – Premier League – Phil Foden – Manchester City Football Club

Women’s Player of the Season – Barclays WSL & Barclays Women’s Championship – Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw – Manchester City Women’s Football Club

Women’s Player of the Season – The FA Women’s National League – Kirstie Levell – Burnley FC Women

Manager of the Season – Dave Challinor – Stockport County Football Club

Women’s Manager of the Season – Matt Beard – Liverpool Football Club Women

Billy Seymour Impact Award – Joe Thompson

Fabrice Muamba Award for Outstanding Service to Football Medicine & Performance (in association with the FMPA) – Ian Liversedge

The Maurice Watkins CBE Lifetime Contribution Award – Ian Rush MBE

Special Recognition Award for Services to Women’s Football – Manchester Corinthians

For more information, visit: www.northwestfootballawards.com