Key Points
- Bolton Wanderers have been nominated for the 'Best Football Club – Football League' award at the 2025 Football Content Awards.
- The nomination marks the second time in three years that the club’s in-house media, communications, and marketing team have been shortlisted for the accolade.
- Finalists were selected by a judging panel of over 30 experts from more than 2,000 entries across 32 categories.
- The club was praised for its “professional and consistent digital strategy” that blends match coverage with community storytelling.
- Voting is open to fans and will close on Sunday, 12 October 2025 at 23:59 UK time.
- Winners will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday, 20 November 2025 at Elland Road, home of Leeds United.
- Other nominees in the category include Birmingham City, Exeter City, Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough, Notts County, Port Vale, Portsmouth, Stoke City, and Wrexham.
What Is The Significance Of Bolton Wanderers’ Nomination?
As reported by the official Bolton Wanderers FC website, the club has been shortlisted for the 'Best Football Club – Football League' category at the 2025 Football Content Awards. The Football Content Awards, established in 2012 and often described as the 'Oscars of the Football Content Industry', celebrate excellence in digital football media, including websites, social media, and video content. This year’s finalists were chosen from over 29,000 nominations and more than 2,000 entries across 32 categories, following a rigorous review process by a panel of over 30 judges.
The nomination recognises the work of Bolton Wanderers’ in-house media, communications, and marketing team, which has been instrumental in enhancing the club’s digital presence. According to the judging panel, the club
“deliver a professional and consistent digital strategy, combining reliable highlights, interviews and updates with creative content that celebrates player personalities and supporter culture”.
The panel further noted that Wanderers’ YouTube and social platforms
“keep fans engaged through both match-focused coverage and community storytelling”
and that the club has built a digital presence that is “steady, authentic and accessible”.
Who Else Is In The Running For The Award?
The 'Best Football Club – Football League' category features ten clubs, all competing for recognition as the top digital content producer in the EFL. Alongside Bolton Wanderers, the nominees are Birmingham City, Exeter City, Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough, Notts County, Port Vale, Portsmouth, Stoke City, and Wrexham. The list was published on 21 September 2025 by the Football Content Awards organisers, who highlighted the high standard of entries across the Football League.
Port Vale, another nominee, was also recognised for its innovative content, including a poem commissioned from a local artist and the launch of a kit in space, as noted in their 2023 nomination announcement. However, the 2025 shortlist reflects a broader competitive field, with clubs like Portsmouth and Wrexham—both known for strong fan engagement—also in contention.
What Has The Club Said About The Nomination?
Siobhan Chaplow, Chief Communications Officer at Bolton Wanderers, expressed her delight at the nomination, stating:
“We are thrilled to be one of just ten football club media teams from across the EFL to be in the running for this special award”.
She added that the club’s aim is “to bring supporters closer to the action both on and off the field and to celebrate everything that is unique and special about this historic football club”. Chaplow credited the nomination to
“the dedication and diligence of our talented in-house team who work tirelessly to push our content forward and find new ways to engage with Wanderers’ fans”.
The club’s media team has previously been recognised in 2023, making this the second nomination in three years—a testament to their sustained efforts in digital innovation. The 2023 announcement also highlighted the team’s commitment to fan engagement through creative storytelling and consistent content delivery.
How Can Fans Support Bolton Wanderers In The Awards?
As reported by the Football Content Awards, voting is now open and will remain so until 23:59 on Sunday, 12 October 2025. Supporters can cast their votes via the official Football Content Awards website and on Instagram by engaging with designated posts. The Bolton Wanderers FC website has also provided direct links for fans to vote and share their support on social media.
The winners will be determined by a 50/50 split between fan votes and expert judging panel scores, ensuring a balanced outcome that reflects both public opinion and professional assessment. The club has encouraged fans to participate actively, emphasising that every vote counts in securing the award.
When And Where Will The Winners Be Announced?
The results of the 2025 Football Content Awards will be revealed at a ceremony on Thursday, 20 November 2025, at Elland Road, the home stadium of Leeds United. The event, hosted in the Centenary Pavilion, will bring together creators, clubs, and media organisations from across the football world to celebrate excellence in digital content. The 2024 ceremony was held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, indicating the growing prestige of the awards within the industry.
This year’s event promises to be one of the most anticipated yet, with categories spanning podcasts, social media, video production, and diversity initiatives. The 'Best Football Club – Football League' award will be one of the highlights, recognising the club that has most effectively used digital platforms to connect with its fanbase and enhance its brand.
Why Does This Award Matter For Football Clubs?
The Football Content Awards have become a benchmark for digital excellence in football, with clubs increasingly investing in media teams to strengthen fan engagement and brand visibility. In an era where social media and online content play a crucial role in fan retention and commercial growth, recognition at these awards signals a club’s commitment to innovation and quality.
For Bolton Wanderers, the nomination not only validates their current strategy but also positions them as a leader in EFL digital media. As clubs compete not just on the pitch but also in the digital space, such accolades can influence sponsorship opportunities, fan loyalty, and overall club reputation.