North West Football Awards

The shortlist for this year's MBNA North West Football Awards has been unveiled and organisers have said it is the strongest to date.

Winners will be revealed at the awards, which take place in October and celebrate the region's footballing achievements on and off the pitch. The contribution that North West businesses make to clubs' successes will also be recognised.

An elite judging panel, including PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor, received record entry numbers across eight categories.

Katherine Swift, awards organiser, said: "The judges were impressed with the quality of entries, not only did we receive record numbers but the work that clubs are doing off the pitch is outstanding.

"The region's businesses have also made a significant contribution to our football clubs and their global achievements and it'll be a tough job for the judges to decide the overall winners."

More than 450 VIP guests from the football and business world are expected to attend the event, which was launched in 2007 and has become one of the highlights of the sporting season.

Chester-based MBNA, a subsidiary of the Bank of America, is the title sponsor of the event which takes place on 11 October 2010 at Lancashire County Cricket Club.

Footballers, from the Premier League to the Blue Square Conference, will compete for awards chosen by the general public (vote at www.northwestfootballawards.co.uk) and a special goal of the year award will be voted for by guests on the night.

Community Scheme of the Year
Blackburn Rovers
Bury
Everton
Manchester City
Manchester United
Morecambe

Best Club Marketing Campaign - Premier League
Burnley
Everton
Liverpool
Manchester City

Best Club Marketing Campaign - Football League
Bury
Stockport County

Best Club Sponsorship
Manchester City
Manchester United

Most Innovative Non-Match Day Use of a Ground
Manchester City
Manchester United
Umbro

North West Professional Services to Football
Barclays
Britannia Building Society (One Marketing Communications)
Deloittes

North West Business Services to Football
Elite Telecom
The Football Pools
Kitbag
PDI Media

To book tickets visit www.northwestfootballawards.co.uk