Former Lioness and Chelsea star Eni Aluko will be joined by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher to host the inaugural Women's Football Awards in May as the heroes of the game are set for honours.
The event, which is sponsored by global fashion retailer SHEIN, will celebrate the people, brands and organisations who are contributing to the incredible growth of women's football. While it will be hosted by Aluko and Carragher, they will also be joined by leading personalities from the game, male football allies and celebrities.
It's been backed by Lionesses Beth Mead, Jess Carter, Nikita Parris and Everton's Toni Duggan. Real Madrid and Scotland forward Caroline Weir has also given her support to the initiative as has Premier League defender Conor Coady and Sky Sports News anchors Pete Graves and Hayley McQueen.
READ MORE: Chelsea's 'mentality of champions' keeps them in the hunt for four trophies
Award categories include Player of the Year, International Football Player of the Year, Club of the Year, Grassroots Initiative of the Year, a Lifetime Achievement award as well as a series of accolades for people and brands working behind the scenes to expand the reach of women’s football.
Aluko, who has 102 caps for England and is now a leading broadcaster in the game, said: "The Women’s Football Awards is going to be an event of celebration that will shine a light on players, individuals and organisations doing phenomenal work to grow the women’s game.
"The awards will be an important platform to recognise the key players and allies both on and off the pitch, who have raised the bar for women’s football. I’m delighted to be hosting with Jamie Carragher, it is going to be a special night."
Carragher, who was a Champions League winner with Liverpool, added: "In recent years the growth of the women's game has been phenomenal. The Lionesses' European Championships triumph saw fans around the world fall in love with women's football.
"It is now time the people involved got the recognition they deserve and that is why the Women's Football Awards are so important. It will celebrate the players, personalities, brands and allies who have been key in lifting the profile of women's football. It is going to be a brilliant night and I am delighted to be involved."
Mead, who was the golden boot winner at Euro 2022, also said: "The Women’s Football Awards will celebrate the success of women in football in the UK and all over the world. This is a major event which will shine a light on the success in the game and the people, brands and organisations which support its growth. I am so pleased to be supporting it."
Cui He, Director of Europe, SHEIN, said: "We are incredibly excited to be partnering with the Women’s Football Awards on this event, which will celebrate the positive achievements of women and girls in football in the UK and beyond. SHEIN and the Women’s Football Awards share a common value of empowering and uplifting our communities.
"This ceremony will be a true celebration of inspiring people and organisations highlighting the amazing contributions of those in the women’s game."
The shortlist will be announced on 4 April 2023 ahead of the awards event in May and the public can now nominate their women's football heroes at www.womensfootabllawards.com.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea Women player ratings as Blues show their quality in FA Cup win over Arsenal
- Chelsea host Arsenal in FA Cup fifth round as James earmarked for big match
- Beth Mead delivers promising England injury update for Women's World Cup with added inspiration
Arsenal complete raid for former Leicester City coach Lydia Bedford
England player ratings as Lionesses retain Arnold Clark Cup as Chloe Kelly shines
