SAM KERR has made history by becoming the first Australian woman to claim the PFA Player of the Year award.
And Manchester City’s Lauren Hemp, 21, entered the history books herself by becoming the first pro to win a fourth Young Women’s Player’s prize.
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Kerr’s award win sees the Women’s Player gong go to a Chelsea star for the second season in a row.
The Matildas skipper’s success follows Fran Kirby’s win last year.
It comes off the back of a series of stunning performances in Chelsea’s frontline which saw the striker claim the WSL’s Golden Boot.
The Blues star, 28, played a key role in a domestic trophy double win for Emma Hayes’ side last season.
And the forward bagged four goals in back-to-back FA Cup triumphs in 2021 and this year including an extra-time winner against Man City in May.
Of her win, Kerr said: It’s a massive honour I think, whenever you’re voted by your peers.
“That’s the highest honour as a player so, it’s an amazing feeling.”
“I do a lot as a player, sometimes it comes off and sometimes it doesn’t, but you have to see yourself in those moments.
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“I just have belief in myself honestly. Just lots of confidence that in the 90th minute or whenever it is, the team will give me the ball and rely on me.
“Knowing that my team trust me gives me loads of confidence. I love those big moments – that’s what I live for as a footballer.”
Hemp’s fourth Young Women’s player gong sees her become the most decorated PFA Award winner to date.
The forward made her 100th Man City appearance in April, scoring in their 7-2 defeat of Brighton.
And she also notched up her hundredth goal for her club last term.
Hemp said: “It’s an honour to get this again, especially for it to be voted for by players that I’ve played against and come up against.
“I look to many of them as role models as well so it’s an honour to be picked from them.
“Coming off the back of a great season, I’ve also got a lot to thank my teammates for, to be honest.
“They make me look better than I actually am!
“I’ve got a great set of staff as well, people who are always pushing me, wanting me to get better.”
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Brighton boss Hope Powell clinched a PFA Merit Award for her outstanding contribution to football
The Albion chief’s successes include steering the Seagulls to their highest ever finish in the top tier with the team claiming sixth place in the 2020-21 season.
One of the nice things about being involved in the game are the vast experiences I have had over the years, whether as a player or manager at World Cups, European finals or the Olympics and now at Brighton and Hove Albion.
Hope Powell on her PFA Merit Award win
To date, the Brighton gaffer remains the only head coach to have guided the Lionesses to a major tournament final.
Her England side reached the 2009 Women’s Euros final against Germany.
Powell, 55, said: “I feel lucky and blessed to be in the game after many years, really grateful.
“One of the nice things about being involved in the game are the vast experiences I have had over the years, whether as a player or manager at World Cups, European finals or the Olympics and now at Brighton and Hove Albion.
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“Each section has been very different but largely very enjoyable.”
Players from Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City dominated the PFA’s WSL team of the year with Hemp and Kerr named in the best eleven.
Other players listed include Man United’s Ona Batlle, Arsenal’s Kim Little, Leah Williamson and Vivianne Miedema and Chelsea’s Millie Bright.
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