The FAW National League Awards took place in Cardiff on Saturday (June 8).
Three men and three women’s leagues were all represented with managers and players receiving some recognition over the course of the 2023/24 season.
In the Cymru Premier, Sion Bradley was named the Player of the Year for his efforts with Caernarfon Town. The 26-year-old registered eight goals and nine assists in 32 games as he helped the Canaries qualify for Europe for the first time.
Bradley also scored the only goal of the game as Wales C defeated England C 1-0 at Llanelli Town’s Stebonheath Park in March. He has since signed a deal with TNS.
Former Aston Villa striker Brad Young won the Golden Boot after his 22 goals in 25 games and he was named the Young Player of the Year. The Manager of the Year award went to Young’s boss Craig Harrison. TNS finished a whole 33 points above Connah’s Quay.
Down in the Cymru North, John Haseldin was named Manager of the Year for his role in Holywell Town’s success. They won the title in what was a closely contested title race with Flint Town United.
Flint’s Elliot Reeves was named the Player of the Season after bagging 33 goals in 29 games, making him the top scorer. Josh Lock won the Young Player of the Year with 10 goals and five assists for Denbigh Town.
Luke Bowen rolled back the years with Briton Ferry Llansawel as his 29 goals in 28 games helped the Reds win the title and promotion to the Cymru Premier. Trefelin BGC’s Roan Piper won the Young Player of the Year after 18 goals in 25 games.
The Manager of the Year award went to Dean Wheeler, who manages Caerau Ely. Caerau Ely won the Ardal South West title last season and in their first season secured a fifth-placed finish.
In the Women’s game, Cardiff City’s Seren Watkins was named the Player of the Year in the Genero Adran Premier. The 20-year-old was a vital figure in the centre of the park for the Bluebirds as her seven goals and six assists helped win the treble.
Her club boss Iain Darbyshire won the Manager of the Year. Darbyshire helped mastermind a second successive league title win and delivered a treble to Cardiff for the first time in their history.
Teenage midfielder Lili Jones claimed the Young Player of the Year in the Adran Premier. She is a lifelong supporter of the club and came through the academy system before a spell with Everton. The 18-year-old registered seven assists and two goals in her first season in the top flight with the Dragons.
In the Adran North, Maddie Williams scooped up the Player of the Year award. The 28-year-old got 12 goals and 10 assists in 14 games as she helped her side win the title. Menna Evans of Bangor won the Young Player award after six goals and two assists.
Jordan Hadaway – manager of both the men’s and women’s teams – guided Llandudno to the title, finishing six points above Connah’s Quay. Dudno lost in the play-off final but Hadaway was named Manager of the Year.
Down in the South, Briton Ferry Llansawel won the Manager of the Year and Player of the Year. Rhys James masterminded the Reds to another league title after missing out on promotion last year. Wales international Laura-May Walkley got 11 goals and nine assists in 10 games as the Reds finished 13 points above nearest placed Cascade.
Pontardawe Town’s Keira Harris won the Young Player of the Yer Award. She had a fantastic end to the season, despite only winning once, she had a goal contribution in their last six fixtures. The 19-year-old finished with four goals and three assists in 12 games.
FAW National League Awards 2024 winners
JD Cymru Premier Player of the Season: Sion Bradley – Caernarfon Town
JD Cymru Premier Young Player of the Season: Brad Young – The New Saints
JD Cymru Premier Manager of the Season: Craig Harrison – The New Saints
JD Cymru North Player of the Season: Elliott Reeves – Flint Town United
JD Cymru North Manager of the Season: Johnny Haseldin – Holywell Town
JD Cymru North Young Player of the Season: Josh Lock – Denbigh Town
JD Cymru South Player of the Season: Luke Bowen – Briton Ferry Llansawel
JD Cymru South Manager of the Season: Dean Wheeler – Caerau Ely
JD Cymru South Young Player of the Season: Roan Piper – Trefelin
Genero Adran Premier Player of the Season: Seren Watkins – Cardiff City
Genero Adran Premier Manager of the Season: Iain Darbyshire – Cardiff City
Genero Adran Premier Young Player of the Season: Lili Jones – Wrexham
Genero Adran North Player of the Season: Maddie Williams – Llandudno
Genero Adran North Manager of the Season: Jordan Hadaway – Llandudno
Genero Adran North Young Player of the Season: Menna Evans – Bangor
Genero Adran South Player of the Season: Laura-May Walkley – Briton Ferry Llansawel
Genero Adran South Manager of the Season: Rhys James – Briton Ferry Llansawel
Genero Adran South Young Player of the Season: Keira Harris – Pontardawe Town
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