Awards night caps a successful season for United Women's Academy
Manchester United Women's Academy celebrated a trophy-winning 2023/24 campaign on Saturday night, as Player of the Year awards were presented to some of the rising stars in our Under-21 and Under-16 teams.
The two sides have lifted three pieces of silverware between them in the last 10 days. Firstly, our Under-21s were crowned champions of the Academy Northern Division on 25 April, after defeating Leicester City on penalties at the end of a dramatic 3-3 draw.
Two days later, our Under-16s won the Women's Professional Game Academy (WPGA) Cup, by beating the holders Arsenal 3-1 in the final at Northampton Town's Sixfields Stadium.
Arsenal were also the opponents when our Under-21s rounded off a superb season of player development with victory in the Northern v Southern play-off final at Hemel Hempstead Town FC on Wednesday, 2 May. Again, the final score was 3-1 to the Reds as the national title was sealed, to the delight of everyone involved in our women's Academy.
United Women's U21s win national title
ArticleOur youngsters beat Arsenal 3-1 in Hemel Hempstead to land the overall trophy.
There was naturally a celebratory feel about the end-of-season awards held at Old Trafford on Saturday evening, as individuals from both squads - as selected by their team-mates and coaching staff - received personal accolades for their contributions to the cause.
Here's our guide to who won what on a very special occasion at the Theatre of Dreams...
Player of the Year: Amelia Oldroyd
The coaching staff's choice of winner is a superb player with a bright future. She never stops finding ways to challenge and develop herself and her game, by engaging with every aspect of resource available to her. Amelia demands incredibly high standards of herself and her team-mates, and has shown real personal growth and maturity this season. She is a real credit to the club after 10 years here so far.
Players' Player of the Year: Lucy Newell
An outstanding athlete, technician, team-mate and all-round footballer, Lucy has performed excellently for our Under-21s and for West Bromwhich Albion during a loan spell in Tier 3. Regularly training with the first team, her focus and drive is second to none and that is shown on the pitch week in, week out. There is much more to come from Lucy in the years ahead.
Young Player of the Year: Lucy Newell
Values Player: Jen Handy and Holly Deering
Both players have a fantastic manner about them at all times and always bring smiles to the training ground and on matchdays. They are both integral to the harmony and vibe of the group and will always ensure standards are met by themselves and by the squad. They are excellent team-mates, well liked by everybody, and are considered a pleasure to work with.
Player of the Year: Sienna Wearing
An ever present in the number 10 position, Sienna has had a fantastic season. She has performed consistently throughout the season, impacting games and racking up some big numbers in terms of goals and assists.
Players' Player of the Year: Holly Minshull
This award always means a lot - to be voted the best by your peers. Holly has been an ever present at the heart of our Under-16s' defence and has also represented her country at international level.
Another consistent performer, Dixie has played in all positions across the back line and has adjusted to every challenge with ease. We look forward to seeing her continue her development next season as an Under-16 player.
Values Player: Millie Crook
Our Under-16s captain epitomises the club values in everything she does both on and off the pitch. While being a standout performer, and a leading voice amongst the group, Millie always puts others before herself.
Congratulations to all of our award winners, and well done to everyone involved in both teams on a highly successful season.