Last month, two young fans were asked to present Sunderland centre-forward Ross Stewart with his League One PFA Vertu Motors Fans' Player of the Year Award. Taking to the pitch at the Black Cats' Stadium of Light, the youngsters posed for pictures with Stewart as he proudly held his trophy. The PFA and Vertu Motors, bringing fans and players together.
A panel comprised of former pitch professionals will select six nominations each month throughout key leagues within the sport. These include the Premier League, the EFL Championship, League One and League Two, and the Barclays FA WSL.
After these nominations have been selected, the fans (that's you!), will then vote from these nominees who will be awarded the PFA Vertu Motors Fans' Player of the Month.
The award has seen an exciting move forward in recognising the achievements of individual players and their commitment to the sport, as well as involving the opinions of those who form a key part of their success- the fans!
To celebrate the award's launch, a new custom-designed trophy was created by Mappin and Webb, who also design the trophies for the PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards.
We caught up with PFA Vertu Motors Fans' Player of the Month Award winner Lauren Hemp.
Hemp featured in all six matches of England Women's European Championship triumph last summer and did not slow down on her return to club football, earning the Fans' award for her scintillating performances so far this WSL season.
The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) is a union for all current and former footballers in the Premier League, FA Women's Super League, and the English Football Leagues.
Focussing on the needs of players throughout their professional careers, the PFA provides the support needed for them to reach their goals (literally!).
The PFA also works hard to support the development of women's football, and to tackle issues prevalent in society such as the stigma against mental health in football, as well as racism.
Through their awards, the PFA helps to recognise players for their performance and to celebrate their achievements, with awards for the Fans' Player of the Year, Fans' Player of the Month, Young Player of the Year, and the Merit Award.
"The purpose of these awards has been to place a greater emphasis on the importance of fans in football across all levels of the game. We are delighted to be working with Vertu Motors who are committed to showcasing the stories of supporters across the football community."
"Our members know that without the support they receive from the fans, football would not be the same and so throughout this partnership we are keen to bring that connection to life even more."
"As a brand we are hugely excited to be involved in an award that will recognise both the greatness of the players on the pitch and the passion of fans that support them."
"We are delighted to work closely with the PFA to showcase even further our commitment to supporting football at all levels of the professional game."
The 22-23 football season now is now in full swing, which means it’s nearly time for the PFA Awards to kick off. Before it starts, we thought it would be a great opportunity to reflect on the 21-22 winners.
The nominations for the 2022 Ballon d'Or Awards have been revealed, and it's certainly got everyone talking.
At Vertu Motors we are extremely proud of our partnership with the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), here we review what's changing across the women's game.
The nominations for the PFA Vertu Motors Fans' Player of the Month Awards for April have been finalised. Check out the shortlists for more information on each of the nominees.
