As the women’s league comes to a close, the award season is just beginning. PFA Scotland announced who was shortlisted for their awards. Chantelle Davie reports.
Katie Wilkinson is no stranger to success this season, winning the Sky Sports Cup with Rangers, now in the Women’s Scottish Cup final after beating Aberdeen on Sunday and scoring 32 goals this season.
“I think for me personally there is still levels to go up”, said Wilkinson, who is completing her first season with the Teddy Bears. “There’s always learnings to take from your first season, but overall [I’m] very happy”. Katie also reflected on the Sky Sport Cup she won earlier this year and how it was a proud moment for her.
Talking about how much it would mean to her to win the award off the back of winning two awards at the Player Awards for Rangers, she responded with this. “It would be massive, proud moment to be recognised by players you play against week in, week out”, “A really nice accolade to have”.
Samantha van Diemen is new to Scotland, the Dutch Glasgow City player said “I think I’ve developed a lot as a player. I came here from my old club, being on the bench a lot and [Glasgow] City gave me a lot of confidence and playing time.” Currently sitting in 3rd place in the championship group, she said there could be a chance for the gap to be closed. “I’m convinced we can close the gap for sure, I think we have a team that deserves to be the champions this season”.
Van Diemen said “It would mean a lot to me, I think especially because it’s chosen by the opponents. I think getting their respect makes it more meaningful for me” when reflecting on the nomination and award.
Celtic’s Emma Lawton has had a dream season, getting the opportunity to play in the women’s Champions League – a massive achievement for someone who has just come into full-time football. “It has been challenging, but I think I’ve gave a good account of myself and hopefully I’ve improved a lot since the start of the season,” she said. Talking of the women’s Champions League, Emma talked about her highlights of that part of the season and playing against Chelsea and Real Madrid. “Definitely a surreal moment,” she commented, “to have said I’ve played against them this season is a bit crazy to be honest”. These achievements sit alongside her first national cap.
Talking about the meaning of receiving a nomination, she said it would be a great honour to win. “It would probably cap off an remarkable season for me”, I haven’t processed it all yet, to win this award would obviously be a great honour”.
Eilidh Adams has had a brilliant season for Hibernian showing a great amount of confidence and amazing play, not only nominated for the top award but also SWPL young player of the year, rightfully deserved for this young player. “I’ve been really delighted with my personal season”, she reflected. Also receiving her first cap for Scotland this season, alongside fellow nominee Emma Lawton, was a highlight of her season, “A massive and special moment for me”.
Eilidh also reminisced on the win against Hearts. Hibs are currently first in the championship group, and a win could be going to Hibs, Eilidh commented it would be big for her and the rest of the Hibs team. “Just to get nominated for both of them, is a really nice feeling and to be voted by other players within the league”, when asked what this means for her to be voted for both awards “It’s really nice to get that recognition”.
Hannah Jordan (The Spartans), Erin Husband (Heart of Midlothian), Laura Berry (Rangers) and Eilidh Adams (Hibernian) have all been nominated for SWPL Young Player of the Year.
Erin Husband may be only 17-years-old, but she is becoming a strong player for Hearts. “My first season as a professional footballer [has] been more than I could have dreamed of”, the young footballer commented, “Every game has been exciting for me”.
Husband also mentioned how well Hearts have been doing in the league and a future win in the future could be possible. “It would mean a lot for me and my family”, when talking about this award.
Hannah Jordan from The Spartans has been a key player this year and it was proven on Saturday when she won two awards at the player awards for the club. “It’s been unexpected getting as many goals as I have”, Hannah commented on her performance as a new striker. She also mentioned her winning goal against Montrose where she scored with her back.
Being a part-time player in the SWPL has not proven to be a challenge for Hannah. She said “It would just be good to be able to represent that and be able to compete against full-time players”.
The awards ceremony is this Sunday where one of these incredible and inspiring women in football from each category will take home the trophy.
