Canberra United superstar Ellie Carpenter has been named the W-League NAB Young Footballer of the Year at the Dolan Warren Awards night in Sydney on 30 April.
Carpenter finished ahead of Melbourne Victory players Kyra Cooney-Cross and Melina Ayres to claim the award for best young footballer in the W-league.
United failed to make the W-League finals for the second time in club history in the 2017/18 season, but Carpenter was a shining light and excelled in her first season in the nation’s capital.
Her incredible form saw Carpenter named United’s player of the year and the supporter’s player of the year at the club’s award ceremony earlier this year.
The Olympian said she was thrilled to be named the Westfield W-League NAB Young Footballer of the Year for 2017/18.
“It’s definitely a huge honour to receive this award,” Carpenter said.
“I’d like to thank my club, Canberra United, my coach Heather Garriock, and my team mates. I couldn’t have done it without you guys.”
“I would also like to thank NAB for sponsoring this award and their ongoing support of young female players in the Westfield W-League.”
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Congratulations to @CanberraUnited's @CarpenterEllie, who is the @WLeague @NAB Young Footballer of the Year. #DolanWarren pic.twitter.com/IV9BIcEzga
— Westfield W-League (@WLeague) April 30, 2018
NAB’s Head of Media & Partnerships, Thomas Dobson, presented the award and congratulated Carpenter on her season.
“NAB is proud to support women’s football, and plays an important role in recognising and rewarding the stars of tomorrow through the NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award,” Mr Dobson said.
“It was also fantastic to provide Ellie’ junior club, the Cowra & District Soccer Club, with a NAB Club Recognition Award upon her nomination. It is great to see our partnership supporting the development of more stars of Australian football.”
Carpenter is currently playing overseas for the first time during the W-League off season after the teenager signed a deal with National Women’s Soccer League club Portland Thorns FC.