The WiF celebration of achievements this year was hosted.by Jacqui Oatley and first up was The Inspiration Award, won by Lucy Oliver, who has various roles as a referee, tutor, ambassador and Sports Development Officer.
The Journalist of the Year Award went to Amy Lawrence, who was the only female print journalist at the Euros in 2016. She commented: “No one thinks twice now about a woman’s opinion on football being valid.”
Winner of the Club Best Practise Award was Leicester City FC’s CEO, Susan Whelan.
Reading’s Kelly Chambers was announced Coach of the Year. She took two weeks off mid season to have a baby! Her advice on how to succeed in the industry was: “Work hard, push yourself and mentor others.”
Player of the Year on a public vote was England and Manchester City’s Lucy Bronze.
Referee of the Year is Mary Harmer, who said she went to a game once and someone asked her if she was lost. She replied ‘No, I’m your ref.’ She stated that: “Now people are starting to see me as just a ref – not a female ref.”
The Women in Football Business Award, sponsored by Barclays, was given to Fulham FC’s Amy O’Brien.
The Lifetime Achievement Award goes posthumously to Sylvia Gore and was accepted on her behalf by her friend and colleague Patricia Gregory
Woman of the Year was declared as Eva Carneiro, for her courage and professionalism as the first-team doctor at Chelsea.
Source / photo – #WiFawards
