2025/26 NPL award winners crowned in Blackpool
The star players of the 2025/26 season were celebrated during the NPL’s annual awards dinner at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens over the weekend.
The Player of the Season and Golden Boot winner from each of the four divisions were presented with their trophies, while the NPL Rising Star and Lifetime Achievement award were among the other awards handed out on the night.
Below, you can find a rundown of all the big winners.
Golden Boot - Premier Division
Having scored 26 goals to help fire Hebburn Town to the NPL Premier Division title, and with it promotion to the National League North, Gary Martin was recognised for a fantastic season in Hornets colours.
Golden Boot - East Division
Adam Boyes scored a remarkable 41 league goals for runaway NPL East Division champions Redcar Athletic, who finished the season with an average of more than three goals per game.
Golden Boot - Midlands Division
Long Eaton United's Evan Garnett secured a 20+ goal campaign for the third season in a row, and he was the recipient of this season's East Division Golden Boot.
Golden Boot - West Division
With 25 strikes to his name, Kyle Hawley was celebrated for the goals which helped fire Avro to promotion via the play-offs.
Goal of the Season
Chosen by supporters, and with more than 1,500 votes cast, the Goal of the Season was awarded to Bury's Rustam Stepans for his stunning stoppage-time winner against Trafford back in September.
Kian Foreman (Hebburn Town) and Kieran Francis (Lichfield City) finished second and third in the voting respectively.
NPL Rising Star
The winner of the best young player across the NPL was Lower Breck's Alex Cherera.
Cherera played a starring role in his club's successful first-ever season at Step 4, which culminated in a play-off finish in the NPL West Division.
Player of the Season - Premier Division
Gary Martin earned his second award of the night, adding Player of the Season to his Golden Boot accolade.
The experienced forward also finished second in the 2025/26 Supporters' Player of the Season voting.
Player of the Season - East Division
Another player earning his second award of the night, Redcar Athletic's Adam Boyes took home Player of the Season after a standout campaign in the East Division.
Player of the Season - Midlands Division
Carlton Town's Ash Chambers claimed the prestigious accolade in the Midlands Division.
He was also one of three Carlton players to be named in his division's Team of the Season.
Player of the Season - West Division
Avro's Kyle Hawley took home another big award on the night, adding to his Golden Boot with Player of the Season in the West.
His performances last season have since earned him an opportunity in the National League North with Radcliffe next season.
NPL Lifetime Achievement Award
Chasetown's Mick Joiner was the recipient of this season's award, in recognition of his 60 years of dedicated service to the club.
Mick has been at the forefront of their journey since 1966.
Guiding the club through the local leagues and helping secure their place in the West Midlands League, he has gone on to play a huge role in developing The Scholars Ground into the home they have today.
Back in April, Chasetown officially renamed their hospitality lounge 'The Joiner Suite' in honour of the club's founder.
His long service to the Scholars has been extraordinary, and Saturday's recognition was a fitting tribute to a man who is the beating heart of Chasetown FC.
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