Each year, upon the conclusion of the FA Women’s Super League campaign, we celebrate the team’s achievements with an Awards Ceremony.
This year, the ceremony was hosted on our Matchday Live show ahead of our men’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, as four City stars were presented with the Player of the Season, Goal of the Season, Rising Star and Community Award prizes.
Gareth Taylor‘s side completed our league campaign on Sunday with a 4-0 triumph at Reading to secure third spot and clinch Champions League football.
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A scintillating run of form from December saw City triumph in 21 of our last 23 games and lift our fourth Continental Cup success, and we have the chance to win the FA Cup in Sunday’s Wembley Final against Chelsea.
In celebration of another enjoyable season, we recognised some of the players’ incredible contributions with awards for their efforts.
Three players were nominated for the Player of the Season award: Lauren Hemp, Alex Greenwood and Keira Walsh, with top scorer Hemp claiming 48% of our fan vote.
Hemp has starred as a creative spark, once again showcasing her electric pace, skill and finishing ability. The three-time FA Young Player of the Year and Northwest Football Awards Rising Star stands as her side’s top scorer with an impressive 20 goals in 36 games, and has also crafted ten assists.
After signing a new deal at the turn of the year, she clocked her 100th appearance for the Club in April and is also regularly shortlisted for the league’s Player of the Month prizes.
Reflecting on her award, she said: “I’m really grateful. I’ve got a lot to thank the rest of my team-mates for as I am surrounded by so many talented players and I’m really thankful to the fans for voting for me.
“I’ve really enjoyed the season. We didn’t start how we wanted to but I think since the turn of the year we’ve shown the City we wanted to.
“There’s a lot more to come from me but I’m really happy with where I am right now.”
Meanwhile, unsurprisingly, Caroline Weir clinched the Goal of the Season gong for the third successive season with another sensational Manchester Derby strike.
The Scotland international, who earned the 2019/20 and 2020/21 awards for her unforgettable efforts against the Reds, excelled herself once again, planting another exquisite chip over Mary Earps to snatch a crucial win over Manchester United in February.
With a stunning 68% of the fan vote, she stormed to victory.
Looking back on that memorable moment, Weir said: “It’s nice to win this award for that goal especially as it was an important one in a tough game against United.
“There is nothing like a Manchester derby. All the girls are always up for it and scoring that goal and it being the winner makes it even more special.
“It’s also nice to be recognised by the fans - especially coming against United as I know it’s a special game for them.”
Elsewhere, Jess Park was named the Club’s Rising Star, having continued her excellent development with 10 goal involvements (two goals and eight assists) in 25 appearances, cementing her status as one of the country’s brightest young sparks.
The forward grabbed her two goals in the Conti Cup, bagging against Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, to help Taylor’s side to cup glory.
She said: “The award is something I wasn’t expecting. I’m very proud of it and thankful for the fans for voting for me.
“Its been a really good season. I’ve my opportunities in big games and it has been a really good season for me to build as a player and the season has gone really well.”
Finally, Karen Bardsley, who announced her retirement from football last week, was recognised with the Club’s Community Award for her pivotal efforts within the local community.
Congratulations to all of our winners and thank you to everyone who voted.
