Kerr and James collect London Football Awards
From the official Chelsea FC website:
Chelsea Women’s Sam Kerr and Lauren James have been recognised with honours at the London Football Awards 2023 this evening (Monday).
The London Football Awards celebrate the best the sport has to offer in the capital, as only clubs and players based in London are eligible, with the latest recipients announced in a ceremony at the Roundhouse in Camden tonight.
James, who has enjoyed a spellbinding season for club and country, wins the Women’s Young Player of the Year award one day after assisting Kerr for the winning goal as we overcame Manchester United 1-0 in the WSL at Kingsmeadow – three points which took us top of the league table.
This award adds to a string of personal accolades James has received of late. Her goal against Tottenham at the start of February was voted WSL Goal of the Month, while she was also named Player of the Tournament for England at the Arnold Clark Cup last month.
Kerr, who has surpassed 100 appearances for the Blues, wins the FA Women’s Super League Player of the Year award for the second year running.
‘It feels amazing,’ Kerr said. ‘It has been a big year for women’s football so it is an amazing honour to win it, especially in a year where in England the Lionesses have done so well and women’s football has been on a big trajectory.
‘Chelsea has given to me as much I have given to them, it has been a crazy journey since I have been here. From the moment I signed it felt like different from anything I have ever experienced and since I have been here I have loved it and it has been a great journey.’
The Australian has netted 83 goals in 103 appearances for the club and has enjoyed a fine run of form in front of goal so far this season, including scoring four goals against both Vllaznia and West Ham United in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and Continental League Cup respectively.
Chelsea have been well represented at this year’s awards with Millie Bright nominated for the FA Women’s Super League Player of the Year award, alongside team-mate Kerr.
Elsewhere, Kepa Arrizabalaga was nominated in the Goalkeeper of the Year award category. Emma Hayes was up for the Manager award, won by Arsenal men’s team manager Mikel Arteta.
All income raised from the London Football Awards on the night goes to support the Willow Foundation, which helps to provide special days for seriously ill young adults when they are needed most.
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