Another Huge Night of Celebration at the 2026 NIFL Awards

The 2026 NIFL Awards brought together over 400 guests at Titanic Belfast to celebrate the very best of Northern Ireland football. Larne manager Gary Haveron won Manager of the Year, Glentoran’s Pat Hoban took Premiership Player of the Year, and Ballymena United’s Sky Blue Ribbon campaign was recognised for its community impact.

Northern Ireland football took centre stage at the 2026 NIFL Awards, as players, managers and clubs gathered for a major gala night at Titanic Belfast.

More than 400 guests attended the black-tie event, celebrating excellence across the domestic game. The evening highlighted not only top performances on the pitch but also the vital work clubs carry out within their communities.

2026 NIFL Awards celebrate the best of local football

Hosted by MUTV presenter Helen Evans and Cool FM’s Curtis McCosh, the event showcased the strength and growth of the Northern Ireland Football League.

The 2026 NIFL Awards recognise achievements across every level of the game, from elite players and managers to staff, volunteers and community leaders helping clubs thrive.

For more on the league, visit the official website:
https://www.nifootballleague.com/

Major winners at the 2026 NIFL Awards

Larne boss Gary Haveron picked up the headline award, winning Manager of the Year, sponsored by BOYLESports.

Glentoran striker Pat Hoban was named Sports Direct Premiership Player of the Year, while Stephen Lowry of Limavady United claimed the Championship award, sponsored by Rockshore.

David Parkhouse of Moyola Park completed the on-pitch honours, winning the Premier Intermediate League Player of the Year, sponsored by SmartPayNI.

All on-pitch awards were voted for by managers, adding strong credibility to the results.

Goal of the Season

Joe Thomson’s stunning strike for Glentoran against Linfield in the Boxing Day derby was voted by the public as the Uhlsport Goal of the Season.

Read more about Glentoran:
https://www.glentoran.com/

Read more about Linfield:
https://www.linfieldfc.com/

Off-pitch honours recognise key figures

The 2026 NIFL Awards also paid tribute to individuals who have made a lasting impact on the game.

Tommy Whiteside of Crusaders received the Special Recognition Award, while Jim Boyce was honoured with the Lifetime Contribution Award, marking 75 years of involvement with Cliftonville.

Learn more about Crusaders:
https://crusadersfc.com/

Learn more about Cliftonville:
https://cliftonvillefc.net/

Club and community award winners

Clubs were recognised for their work beyond football, highlighting their role in local communities.

Ballymena United won Club Community Initiative of the Year for their Sky Blue Ribbon campaign.

Visit Ballymena United:
https://www.ballymenaunitedfc.com/

George Walsh of Cliftonville received the Club Employee Excellence Award.

Linfield’s “From The Mills To The Pitches” kit launch won Club Marketing Campaign of the Year.

Johnny Bird of Warrenpoint Town was named Heart of the Club.

Visit Warrenpoint Town:
https://warrenpointtownfc.com/

Female contribution award

Sophie Glendinning, Competitions Manager at the NI Football League, received the award for Female Contribution to Professional Football in Northern Ireland.

This recognition highlights the importance of leadership and organisation behind the scenes.

Full list of 2026 NIFL Awards winners

BOYLESports Manager of the Year

Gary Haveron (Larne)

Sports Direct Premiership Player of the Year

Pat Hoban (Glentoran)

Rockshore Championship Player of the Year

Stephen Lowry (Limavady United)

SmartPayNI Premier Intermediate League Player of the Year

David Parkhouse (Moyola Park)

Uhlsport Goal of the Season

Joe Thomson (Glentoran) v Linfield

Special Recognition Award

Tommy Whiteside (Crusaders)

Lifetime Contribution Award

Jim Boyce

Club Community Initiative of the Year

Ballymena United – Sky Blue Ribbon Campaign

Club Employee Excellence Award

George Walsh (Cliftonville)

Club Marketing Campaign of the Year

Linfield – From The Mills To The Pitches

Female Contribution to Professional Football in Northern Ireland

Sophie Glendinning

Heart of the Club

Johnny Bird (Warrenpoint Town)

Why the 2026 NIFL Awards matter

The 2026 NIFL Awards continue to highlight the strength of football in Northern Ireland. They showcase not just talent on the pitch, but also the dedication behind the scenes that helps clubs grow and connect with their communities.

From grassroots efforts to top-level performances, the awards reflect a league that is continuing to develop and inspire.