Hereford's Kandola wins Asian Football Awards non-league prize

The first week of October brings the pyramid's most predictable ritual — the September player of the month announcement — but this year it arrives alongside honours of a rather different weight. Hereford vice-captain Kam Kandola won the Non-League Player prize at the Asian Football Awards, while Leicester Nirvana were named 2026 Asian Football Awards Community Club of the Year. AFC Telford United confirmed that Mal Benning will be officially presented with the AFA 2026 South Asian Pioneer Award.

Community work was recognised elsewhere too. Banbury United in the Community collected the Charity & Community Award at the Cherwell Business Awards, while Brockenhurst's Henry Bockle drew the applause after being named Hampshire's Volunteer of the Year. Brockenhurst themselves were named 360 Player Club of the Month for September. Uxbridge president Derek Marshall accepted the Southern League Club of the Month award from league director Craig Stainton, Trafford secretary Paul Delaney received the NWCFL Club of the Month award for August from Martin Fallon, and Maghull also picked up a Club of the Month prize for August.

Then the individual awards, in volume. Among the September winners: Lloyd Thomas at New Milton Town, Sam Hutchinson at Farnham Town, Chris Castle at Abingdon United, Cam Stone at Colden Common, Jake Wright at Warminster Town, George Milner-Smith at Winchester City, Ibrahim Busari at Westfield, Alfie Hadfield at Broadbridge Heath, Jack Troak at Hassocks, Mark Adofo at Baldock Town, Ned Jones at Wembley, Ollie Sotoyinbo at Woodford Town, Raion Rowe at Barnton, Harry Allen at Daisy Hill, Matty Bowles at AFC Newbiggin, Fin O'Gorman at West Aukland Town, Olly Marshall at Dunston, Glenn Caygill at Ryton & Crawcrook Albion, Jack Bates at Dover Athletic, Ryan Haylett at Harleston Town, Ryan Knibbs at Hamworthy United and Kelvin Robinson at Fleetlands.

Some had particular reasons. Will Thornton was voted Scarborough Athletic's winner after three clean sheets. Kevin Rivera collected his second of the season at Three Bridges, and Josh Bohui was named Don of the Month at S E Dons for the second month running. Kyron Cooper took the Famous Blue Army supporters' vote at Kidsgrove Athletic, and Tom Barton won both player and goal of the month at Croydon, the latter for his strike against Rochester United.

There was also recognition for longevity. Rossington Main presented Paul Sherburn, their record appearance maker on 259 games and 23 goals, with a signed framed shirt. Arley Barnes received a commemorative shirt from Steeton for a 200th competitive appearance, Jordan Browne was honoured for reaching 250 games with Newport (IOW), and Quorn club captain Mason Frizelle collected a trophy for his hundredth. At Cowes Sports, John was honoured for becoming second on the club's all-time scoring list behind George Reader. Halstead Town inducted club president, former player and manager Steve Parnell into their Hall of Fame.