Although they didn’t manage to lift the South West Regional Women’s Premier League trophy, Torquay United’s Women managed to lift their spirits for the end-of-season awards presentation evening, which took place in Boots & Laces.
Not only was it an opportunity for the ladies to let their hair down, most of them literally, but also an opportunity to reflect on how far the squad has come. From the six players that Lee Mann inherited when he took on the managerial role, to the growth and development of the team and coaching staff, the women had much to celebrate, as the ladies’ game begins its transition into the main club.
Presented by Steve Elswood and Lee Mann, the awards recognised all parts of the team and club. And the formal part of the evening concluded with a rousing speech from Torquay United’s Co-Chairman, Michael Westcott, looking ahead to Women’s football being an integral part of the main club from the 1st of June.
First up was the Manager’s Player of the Season, an award that Lee Mann presented to Anthea (Tee) Kaptein. As well as her 16-goal contribution this season (7 from the penalty spot), the United manager commended Tee’s attitude on and off the pitch, and her willingness to call him out on issues the team disagreed with!
Next up was the award for Supporters’ Player of the Season, which was presented by Rob Dickinson of the TUFC Supporters Trust. As the name suggests, this accolade was voted for by the fans, who chose Kaitlyn Harris. As well as emerging as a defensive star, Kaitlyn also grabbed a goal in the 5-1 win over Ilminster.
On the subject of goals, the next two awards were for goal scorers. The first of those was for the Goal of the Season. United have scored a lot of quality goals this campaign, and this award was picked up by a midfielder. Adele Brown grabbed the trophy for her spectacular finish from distance, the pick of United’s dozen at Poole Town.
United’s top scorer award was fairly close in the end, with Tee Kaptein’s 16 goals pushing the eventual winner right to the end of the season. Having notched a pre-season hat-trick at Weymouth, Lucy Solloway grabbed three more trebles in the regular season amongst a total haul of 20 goals, just four behind the league’s top scorer.
Players’ Player of the Season was the next trophy and was presented on behalf of the team by skipper Tracey Cross. Having played her part in the six consecutive clean sheets and backed up her selection as Players’ Player with an outstanding save at Sherborne earlier in the day, the award went to goalkeeper Jasmine Read. United’s stopper also collected the League’s ‘Safe Hands’ award for most clean sheets in a season.
Next, it was the award for Young Player of the Season, given to Emily Elliot, for ‘constantly looking to improve her game every time she steps onto the pitch or training ground.’ She also netted six times during the season, including a cracking effort with a goal celebration to match at Plainmoor in March!
Club Person of the Year was the final trophy to be handed out, an award for a player, coach, or someone connected with the team for their overall contribution during the season. My wife, Paula, and I were shocked and flattered to be called up to receive this (joint) award for our work on the Mixlr match commentaries and women’s website this season.
Congratulations to all of the winners and the whole side for their growth and development as a unit over the past nine months. Changes lie ahead, but Torquay United Women are set to be back, stronger and hungrier than ever, for the new season in September.