The WFA’s 2024 Awards Evening
The WFA’s 2024 Awards Evening, proudly sponsored by UA92, celebrated the exceptional achievements within our field. Each award had a dedicated sponsor, reflecting the strong support and collaboration in our community. We are delighted to announce this year’s winners, recognising their dedication and significant contributions. Join us in congratulating them on their well-deserved success.
UA92, founded by the Class of ’92 and Lancaster University, is dedicated to making higher education more accessible. It champions social mobility and inclusivity through a range of industry-driven degree and higher education courses. With over 80 industry partners, UA92 ensures its curriculum remains relevant, offering students mentorships, guest lectures, and work experience opportunities.
Through this partnership, The WFA and UA92 will offer real-world experiences such as guest lectures, workshops, mentoring, and work placements. These opportunities are designed to equip students with the skills needed for careers in sports management, coaching, media, and related fields. UA92 students will engage directly with WFA projects, gaining practical insights into sports management.
This collaboration also provides WFA players and the wider Powerchair Football community access to UA92’s innovative and accessible educational offerings, supporting career development in sports, education, and beyond.
Premiership & Championship Player of the Season
Sponsor: Sevenoaks PFC
Sevenoaks PFC, a respected team in our National League Premiership, has generously sponsored this prestigious award. We sincerely thank them for their support and commitment to promoting excellence in Powerchair Football. Sevenoaks PFC is dedicated to fostering a competitive and inclusive environment, contributing significantly to the growth and success of the sport.
This prestigious recognition is awarded to a player who has demonstrated exceptional skill, performance, and impact throughout the season.
Winners:
- 2023/24 Sevenoaks PFC Premiership Player of the Season: Marcus Harrison (West Bromwich Albion PFC)
- 2023/24 Sevenoaks PFC Championship Player of the Season: Luke Kelly (Greenbank PFC)
Premiership & Championship Young Player of the Season
Sponsor: G5 Sports Services
Founded in 2015, G5 Sports Services has been dedicated to developing Powerchair Football across the UK by making the Strike Force sports chair accessible to all players and clubs. Over the years, G5 Sports Services has expanded its support to individuals and teams across Europe, providing elite-level sports coaching to ensure player development and a bright future for the sport.
Award Winners:
- 2023/24 G5 Sports Services Premiership Young Player of the Season: Oli Crawshaw (Newcastle United Foundation PFC)
- 2023/24 G5 Sports Services Championship Young Player of the Season: Henry Barnard (Norwich City PFC)
Premiership & Championship Team of the Season
Sponsor: Swizzels
Swizzels, one of the longest-running sweet factories in the world, has been delighting generations with their creations since 1928. A proud, family-owned business, their famous inventions include Love Hearts, Drumsticks, Squashies, and Refreshers, among many others. Committed to bringing joy through its innovative and nostalgic treats, Swizzels values community engagement and social responsibility. The brand actively participates in numerous charitable activities, promoting health, education, and well-being.
We extend our appreciation and thanks to Swizzels and Jonathan Dee for their generous sponsorship and kind donation of sweets for our evening and raffle!
Award Winners:
- 2023/24 Swizzels Premiership Team of the Season: Newcastle United Foundation PFC
- 2023/24 Swizzels Championship Team of the Season: Greenbank PFC
Premiership & Championship Head Coach of the Season
Sponsor: Leicester City in the Community
Leicester City in the Community, the charitable arm of Leicester City Football Club, is dedicated to using the power of sport to inspire and support local communities. Through a range of programmes focused on health, education, and social inclusion, Leicester City in the Community makes a positive impact on individuals and groups across the region. Recently, they have established a Powerchair Football club, demonstrating their dedication to inclusivity and providing diverse sporting opportunities. A huge thank you to Matt Bray and Luke Miller for their invaluable work on this project and their ongoing contributions to numerous other initiatives in Leicester.
Award Winners:
- 2023/24 Leicester City in the Community Premiership Head Coach of the Season: Jamie Harrison (Newcastle United Foundation PFC)
- 2023/24 Leicester City in the Community Championship Head Coach of the Season: Gerry Kinsella & Marcus Harrison (Greenbank PFC)
Premiership & Championship Goal of the Season
Sponsor: Loadsure
Loadsure is an Insurtech Managing General Agent (MGA) and Lloyd’s cover holder, currently serving the North American and European markets. Built to tackle the underinsurance crisis, Loadsure leverages high-resolution data and AI to analyse every detail of an assured risk and generate custom insurance policies that match the exact specifications in seconds. By offering real-time, flexible insurance products, Loadsure caters to the dynamic needs of modern businesses, ensuring comprehensive coverage and peace of mind. Their innovative approach revolutionises the insurance industry, providing tailored solutions that are both efficient and effective.
Winners:
- 2023/24 Loadsure Premiership Goal of the Season: Marcus Harrison vs Nomad Knights
- 2023/24 Loadsure Championship Goal of the Season: Joe Kerrison vs Sale United PFC
Premiership & Championship Top Goalscorer
Sponsor: Optegra
Established in 2007, Optegra Eye Hospital has rapidly expanded to include over 18 dedicated eye hospitals and clinics nationwide. With a singular focus on delivering outstanding eye health care, the hospital has treated over a million patients. Its consultant-led approach ensures the highest calibre of treatments, from laser eye surgery to cataract surgery, are performed to the highest clinical standards.
Award Winners:
- 2023/24 Optegra Premiership Top Goalscorer: Marcus Harrison & Brad Bates
- 2023/24 Optegra Championship Top Goalscorer: Liam Ashton
Optegra’s newest clinic in Leicester is particularly exciting, offering state-of-the-art facilities that will provide local residents with easy access to NHS cataract surgery and other ophthalmic treatments, significantly reducing waiting times. Their commitment to exceptional patient care and advanced medical procedures has made Optegra a leader in the field of ophthalmology.
For more information on Optegra’s new Leicester Hospital, visit the link below:
2024 WFA Fair Play Award
Sponsor: N Family Club
Established in 2017, N Family Club embarked on a mission to revolutionise early years education – crafting an innovative curriculum, fostering an industry-leading team ethos, and delivering a service that significantly benefits families. With locations spanning London, Kent, Surrey, Cambridge, and the West Midlands, they earned recognition as the top-rated nursery group in the UK according to Nursery World Magazine in both 2022 and 2023. N Family Club is dedicated to offering exceptional childcare and education experiences, focusing on creating inspiring environments and fostering a sense of community. Their commitment to the holistic development of children ensures they are well-prepared for lifelong success.
Award Winner:
- 2023/24 N Family Club Fair Play Award: Norwich City PFC
2024 Barry O’Leary Services to Powerchair Football
Sponsor: The Muscle Help Foundation
The Muscle Help Foundation is a UK-based charity dedicated to delivering transformational experiences, known as Muscle Dreams, for children and young people living with Muscular Dystrophy (MD). Founded by Michael McGrath, who himself has MD, the charity aims to provide unique, memorable opportunities that help fulfil the dreams of those affected by muscle-wasting conditions. Through their efforts, they strive to improve quality of life, boost confidence, and create lasting memories for families facing the daily challenges of MD.
Award Winner:
- 2023/24 Barry O’Leary Services to Powerchair Football Award: Gareth Mitchelson