THE Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) announced the nominees for the 2025 NIFL Football Awards.
The prestigious black-tie event hosted at the Titanic Belfast onext Saturday, April 12 will celebrate the outstanding contributions, achievements, and excellence of clubs, players, and individuals throughout Irish League football.
The NIFL Football Awards showcase the talent, dedication, and passion that are integral to the success of the league. This year’s nominees not only highlight on the pitch talent but also the diverse ways in which football positively impacts communities, drives innovation, and enhances the experience for far across the country.
Having received hundreds of nominations submitted by clubs and supporters – the expert judging panel have shortlisted three nominees for each the new look categories that celebrate the contribution clubs and their people make to both football and the wider community.
Each of the player performance-based award nominees, have been determined by votes submitted by each of the NIFL club managers, with the highest total votes shortlisted below.
2025 NIFL FOOTBALL AWARD NOMINEES
Club Community Initiative of the Year (Sponsored by Third Sector Connect):
- Bangor FC – Mental Health and Wellbeing Team
- Glentoran FC – Glentoran Social Partnership
- Newry City AFC – Newry City Past Players Association
Club Employee Excellence Award (Sponsored by Route Media):
- Laura Lagan – Coleraine FC
- Shay Kennedy – Larne FC
- Bernard Thompson – Crusaders FC
Club Marketing Campaign of the Year (Sponsored by Omega Outdoor):
- Carrick Rangers FC – +Fan Platform for Overseas Supporters
- HW Welders FC – Social Media Strategy
- Larne FC – ‘I was there’ European campaign
Female Contribution to Professional Football in NI (Sponsored by Irish FA):
- Carla Dallas – Coagh United FC
- Amanda Irvine – Cliftonville Ladies FC
- Louise Thompson – Referee
Heart of the Club (Sponsored by TicketCo):
- Dr. Johnny Campbell – Cliftonville FC
- Gary Eccles – Linfield FC
- Ruth McCreery – Glentoran FC
Goal of the Season (Sponsored by uhlsport):
- Jordan Jenkins (Glentoran) v Cliftonville – August 2024
- Shay McCartan (Portadown) v Larne – October 2024
- Ahu Obhakhan (Portadown) v Cliftonville – February 2025
Premier Intermediate League Player of the Year (Sponsored by Playr-Fit):
- Aaron Duke – Dollingstown FC
- Ruairi Fitzpatrick – Rathfriland Rangers FC
- Jim O’Hanlon – Warrenpoint Town FC
Championship Player of the Year (Sponsored by Playr-Fit):
- Ben Arthurs – Bangor FC
- Stephen Lowry – Limavady United FC
- Michael McLellan – HW Welders FC
Premiership Player of the Year (Sponsored by Sports Direct):
- Joel Cooper – Linfield FC
- Matthew Fitzpatrick – Linfield FC
- Matthew Shevlin – Coleraine FC
Manager of the Year (Sponsored by Juice Jar):
- Gary Boyle – Warrenpoint Town FC
- Lee Feeney – Bangor FC
- David Healy – Linfield FC
- Rodney McAree – Dungannon Swifts FC
Looking ahead to the event Gerard Lawlor, NIFL Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the achievements and hard work of individuals and clubs across Northern Ireland. The 2025 NIFL Football Awards are a testament to the spirit of the game, both on and off the pitch. We extend our congratulations to all the nominees and look forward to celebrating their successes together.”
The winners will be announced at the highly anticipated NIFL Football Awards ceremony by MUTV presenter Helen Evans and Cool FM’s Curtis McCosh. The awards night will celebrate the incredible achievements of all those who contribute to the success of the NI Football League.
