In a night filled with joy, pride, and a few tears of emotion, Armada FC brought its 2024/25 season to a spectacular close at the Royal Shalimar in Birmingham — a venue as grand and meaningful as the stories that unfolded there. This wasn’t just an end-of-season event. It was a bold, heartfelt statement about who we are, how far we’ve come, and where we’re heading.

As the spotlight shone down on our players, coaches, and volunteers, the spirit of unity could be felt in every corner of the room. From stirring applause to moments of silent reflection, the night captured the essence of Armada FC: a family that lifts each other, through every tackle, triumph and test.

CELEBRATING A SEASON OF HEART AND HUSTLE
With players and their families in attendance, the Awards Ceremony unfolded like a page from a dream — glittering outfits, brilliant lighting, and an electrifying buzz of anticipation. The setting was elegant and full of warmth, perfectly echoing the culture of inclusivity and pride that drives everything Armada FC does.

Each award presented was more than just a trophy. It represented countless hours of training, resilience in defeat, strength in adversity, and shared commitment to a higher purpose. Our players gave everything for the badge — and this night was for them.

Moments of laughter mingled with bursts of emotion, particularly during acceptance speeches that reminded everyone why we play: for the love of the game, the people around us, and the legacy we build together.

WORKING TOGETHER, RISING TOGETHER
In football, just like in life, the journey is never smooth. The 2024/25 season was filled with thrilling highs and sobering lows — from last-gasp equalisers and hard-fought clean sheets to painful injuries and agonising defeats. But what truly defined this season was the way we stood by each other.

Armada FC’s strength comes not from any one individual, but from our collective resilience. Our players brought bravery, our coaches brought belief, and our volunteers brought boundless dedication. Every training session in the rain, every afternoon fixture, and every team huddle helped forge the bonds we celebrated on awards night.

As our Chairperson shared on the night:
“We don’t just play football — we build futures. We create belonging. We inspire each other to be more.”

WINNERS WHO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION
Here are the standouts who not only excelled on the pitch but also embodied the values of Armada FC off it:

• ? Coach of the Year – Phil D’Ambrosio, A leader, a role model, and the heartbeat of our sidelines. His calm authority and tactical insight brought out the best in our squad week after week.
• ? Most Clean Sheets – Nick Ayebeng, A commanding presence in goal, Nick’s consistency and bravery gave the defence unshakeable confidence. A wall when we needed it most.
• ⏱️ Most Appearances – Mohammed Uzair, The first to show up, the last to leave. A testament to commitment and fitness, Uzair was always ready to serve the team, no matter the occasion.
• ? Midfield Beast – Shoaib Zahid, Fearless in the challenge and tireless in pursuit, Shoaib was our engine in the middle — covering ground, breaking lines, and dictating tempo.
• ? Most Assists – Mubarik Hashir, With a wand of a right foot and vision that unlocks defences, Mubarik played creator-in-chief — always thinking one pass ahead.
• ⚽ Top Goal Scorer – Romay Francis, Electric, instinctive, and ruthless — Romay lit up the season with a string of unforgettable goals. A natural finisher who always delivered.
• ? Goal of the Season – Arafat Mohammed, A strike for the ages — a thunderbolt that left the crowd stunned and the opposition speechless. A goal that will live long in Armada folklore.
• ? Players’ Player – Lambros Pardale, Chosen by his teammates, Lambros earned this honour through passion, humility, and relentless leadership. He represents everything we strive for.
• ?️ Managers’ Player – Richard Brelsforth, A player’s player, a manager’s dream. Intelligent, adaptable, and dependable in every situation, Richard’s season was a masterclass in consistency.
• ? Player of the Season – Richard Brelsforth, From defence to attack, Richard dominated with class, leadership, and a never-say-die attitude. A worthy double award winner and a true club icon.

RAISING STANDARDS, RAISING DREAMS
What we witnessed this season wasn’t just growth in stats or results — it was the raising of standards across every department. Young players stepping into senior roles. Coaches redefining tactical setups. Volunteers expanding community outreach. This is what progress looks like when it’s driven by vision, inclusion, and hard work.

Our awards night celebrated those who lead the way — not for personal glory, but to set a higher bar for everyone who follows.

The message was clear: If you’re part of Armada FC, you are part of something bigger than yourself.

A VENUE FIT FOR GIANT KILLERS
The grandeur of the Royal Shalimar added a sense of prestige to the evening — with its aromatic smells, ambient lighting, and luxurious décor. Guests enjoyed a vibrant blend of cultural elegance and professional presentation, perfectly matched with our club’s inclusive values.

The evening featured:

• A red-carpet photo entrance
• A buffet banquet with flavours from around the world
• Inspiring flashbacks at moments throughout the season
• A tribute to all the players that made the 8-7 cup win possible
• A closing photoshoot for a moment of unity, symbolising our shared mission

A CLUB BUILT ON COMMUNITY
At the heart of Armada FC is community service and development. From providing free food parcels and mental wellbeing workshops, to inclusive training sessions for players of all abilities, the club has consistently gone above and beyond to deliver value both on and off the pitch.

We believe football should be a force for good — and through our volunteers, families, and supporters, we are building lasting change in Birmingham. Every goal we score and every challenge we face is part of a much bigger picture.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
The 2024/25 season is now behind us — but the journey continues. With youth & Sunday team development plans, community sport initiatives, the launch of Armada Women’s Team, and new partnerships in the pipeline, the fire is only growing stronger.

Let this Awards Night serve as a reminder that we are just getting started. The dream lives on, and every member of this family has a part to play.

SHARE THE MOMENT
Awards Night Photos now live in our official gallery
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