The Special Award presented by the Judging Panel was awarded to Carlisle United Football Club who won promotion in 2023 from League Two to League One, after nine years in League Two in a remarkable match at Wembley in the Play Off Finals versus Stockport County.
Since Paul Simpson took over as manager 18 months ago, the club have progressed on and off the pitch, and the support the club are now receiving from the community of Carlisle and more widely across north Cumbria has grown significantly.
There is once again a real buzz surrounding Carlisle United, and whilst there have been mixed results during the start of the season in League One, they are more than holding their own against on paper some much bigger clubs. The performances against Bolton and Burton particularly have shone.
This Special Award recognises the impact that a high performing Carlisle United has on the whole north of the county, and the positivity that can generate in the city of Carlisle and the surrounding areas.