Wharton & Palace for Life nominated for London Football Awards

Announcement

9 Feb 2026

Adam Wharton has been nominated for the Men’s Young Player of the Year accolade at the 2026 London Football Awards, whilst Palace for Life Foundation are up for Community Project of the Year.

Wharton has enjoyed a standout 12 months for Palace, establishing himself as one of England’s leading creative talents whilst helping the Eagles to win the FA Cup – and set a club Premier League points record – at the culmination of his first full season with the club.

The 22-year-old also featured in both of England’s matches in November, making his first senior start in a 2-0 away win in Albania last time out.

The midfielder faces competition for the award from Chelsea’s Estêvão; Brentford’s Michael Kayode; Fulham’s Josh King; and West Ham’s Oliver Scarles.

Palace for Life Foundation, meanwhile, have been nominated for the Community Project of the Year award for their GAME ON programme, which helps people with Down’s Syndrome develop skills and confidence for employment.

This culminated last year with a remarkable recording of Glad All Over, which was performed by both the DS Eagles and Palace players Chris Richards, Aimee Everett, Fliss Gibbons and Shanade Hopcroft, aiming to challenge stereotypes around Down’s Syndrome and employment and raise funds for the charity’s work.

The first year of DS GAME ON saw 15 participants try out roles in cooking, t-shirt design, caring, barista training and music, proving that given the opportunity, people with Down’s Syndrome can thrive in the workplace.

Independently judged by leaders from football administration and the football media, the London Football Awards celebrate the very best of London football.

All income raised from the London Football Awards on the night goes to Willow, the only national charity that helps provide Special Days for seriously ill young adults aged 16 to 40 years old when they are needed most.

Winners will be announced at the 2026 London Football Awards ceremony, set to take place on Thursday, 5th March at Exhibition White City.

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