Nominations Process & Judges:
THE PEOPLE’S GAME. THE PEOPLE’S AWARDS.

The Women’s Football Awards are the largest awards event for women’s football in Europe – driven by the passion and voices of the fans. Our nomination process is led by the public, with thousands of supporters of the women’s game putting forward the players, teams, and trailblazers who inspire them.

Once nominations close, the shortlist is carefully reviewed by a panel of expert judges alongside the editorial team at Metro.co.uk. Their insights help shape a final list of contenders, which is then returned to the public vote, ensuring that the winners reflect both expert evaluation and fan enthusiasm. All votes are reviewed by members of the judging panel.

For our corporate categories, the process is equally rigorous. These awards are decided exclusively by the Women’s Football Awards Judicial Panel, who scrutinise all evidence submitted by shortlisted nominees. Their decisions are based on merit, integrity, and impact – delivering a fair and robust selection process.

The Panel also considers Special Recognition Awards, based on individual success throughout the season or a player’s wider contribution to the sport.

At every stage, the Women’s Football Awards honour excellence through a transparent and inclusive approach. We recognise those who make the women’s game extraordinary.

2026 JUDGING PANEL

Yvonne Harrison

Yvonne Harrison

Yvonne Harrison is CEO of Women in Football, a role she has held since January 2022, championing equality and opportunity across the game. With over 20 years’ experience in the sports industry, including leading Project 92 and driving education initiatives such as UA92, she is a powerful advocate for change. In recognition of her impact, Yvonne received a Women’s Football Award in 2023.

Danielle Carter

Danielle Carter

Danielle Carter is a former England international and one of Arsenal’s most accomplished forwards. She enjoyed a distinguished career with Arsenal Women, winning major domestic honours including the FA Women’s Super League and the FA Women’s Cup. Capped by England women’s national football team, Danielle is widely respected for her contribution to the game. Today, she continues to use her experience and insight to champion the growth and future of women’s football.

Hayley McQueen

Hayley McQueen

Hayley McQueen is a leading sports broadcaster and presenter for Sky Sports, where she has become a familiar and trusted face of football coverage. With a career spanning over a decade, Hayley has covered major domestic and international competitions, and is a passionate advocate for the growth and visibility of women’s football. Known for her professionalism, insight and engaging on-screen presence, she has played a key role in bringing the women’s game to wider audiences and celebrating the athletes and stories that shape it.

Caroline Weir

Caroline Weir

Caroline Weir is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or forward for Spanish Primera División club Real Madrid CF and the Scotland women’s national team. The global football star, who has also played for Liverpool and Manchester City, is also ambassador for Common Goal and Girls United. 

Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher is a Liverpool legend and former England international who has become one of football’s most respected broadcasters. Since retiring in 2013, he has brought his trademark passion and insight to Sky Sports and CBS. His love for the game extends beyond the pitch and screen – Carragher co-founded the Women’s Football Awards initiative in 2023, helping to shine a spotlight on the achievements and growth of the women’s game.

Lianne Sanderson

Lianne Sanderson

Lianne Sanderson is a former England international and one of the most respected voices in women’s football. Earning over 50 caps for England, she enjoyed a successful playing career with clubs including Arsenal and several teams in the United States, winning major honours and competing at the very top of the game. Since retiring, Lianne has become a prominent broadcaster and pundit, including hosting her own show on talkSPORT, where she regularly shares expert insight on football across the men’s and women’s game. Known for her honesty, knowledge and passion, she is a strong advocate for the continued growth and visibility of women’s football. Lianne has also been involved with the Women’s Football Awards since the very beginning, bringing her experience and perspective to the judging panel and helping celebrate the individuals and organisations driving the game forward.

Chloe Morgan

Chloe Morgan

Chloe Morgan is a former professional footballer and the current Head of She’s A Baller, a UK-based platform and creative agency dedicated to championing women’s football culture. A former goalkeeper for Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Crystal Palace, Chloe transitioned to a career in media and advocacy after retiring from professional football in 2022. She co-hosts the Upfront podcast and has contributed to major outlets like BBC Sport, talkSPORT, and Sky Sports News. As Head of She’s A Baller, Chloe leads initiatives that celebrate and promote the women’s game, from grassroots to elite levels. Her work emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and representation, making her a prominent voice in the sport.

Fiona McIntyre

Fiona McIntyre

Fiona McIntyre is a leading figure in women’s football, currently serving as the Managing Director of the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL). Appointed in July 2022, she was the inaugural person to hold this role, following her tenure as Head of Girls’ and Women’s Football at the Scottish FA. During her time at the Scottish FA, McIntyre played a pivotal role in implementing the first-ever strategy for girls’ and women’s football in Scotland. She won the Unsung Hero award at the 2025 Women’s Football Awards. 

Anna Deignan

Anna Deignan

Anna Deignan, Director of Fans and Development at the Premier League, has been at the League for 5 years and in the sports sector for 10. She leads on fan engagement for the Premier League’s loyal and passionate fan base and also leads on partnership work with the women’s professional game, plus supporting wider PL work on girls and grassroots investment. She had a long career as a senior civil servant prior. Her last roles in Government were at the Department of Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) as Head of Sport.

Kim Leadbeater MBE MP

Kim Leadbeater MBE MP

Kim Leadbeater has been Labour MP for Batley and Spen since July 2021 and is chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Sport. Prior to her election, Kim was a lecturer in Higher Education and  later set up her own business as a personal trainer, wellbeing coach and group exercise instructor.  In 2021 she was awarded an MBE for her services to social cohesion and combating loneliness.

Eniola Aluko MBE

Eniola Aluko MBE

Former Chelsea and Juventus star Eni Aluko has incredible football pedigree, having played more than 100 times for England. The ex-striker, who has won numerous trophies and represented Team GB at the Olympics, was appointed sporting director at Aston Villa WFC after hanging up her boots before switching to Angel City FC in the United States. Aluko also works as a pundit and commentator across the men’s and women’s game.

Conor Coady

Conor Coady

Conor Coady is an England international defender for Leicester City. Coady was part of the England squad the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, making over 450 career appearances for clubs such as Everton, Wolves and Liverpool. He was named Football Ally of the Year at the 2021 British LGBT Awards and co-founded Football for Change, the social mobility charity, alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jamie Carragher.

Toni Duggan

Toni Duggan

A trailblazer in the women’s game, Toni Duggan set the standard for playing abroad having started her career at Everton and then switching to Manchester City before plying her trade in Spain at Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Having so far made more than 75 appearances for England, the versatile winger and forward is now back on home soil with the Toffees and is an ambassador for Football For Change and Kick It Out

Seema Jaswal

Seema Jaswal

Seema Jaswal is a globally-recognised sports presenter who has achieved a broadcasting ‘quadruple’ in football – leading coverage on Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and international matches – for BT Sport and ITV. Seema fronted coverage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and hosted the Women’s Champions League final for DAZN. 

Julie Keough

Julie Keough

Julie is Brand Director at ScottishPower and has spearheaded the landmark partnerships with Scottish Women’s Football and the Scottish Women’s Premier League. She is responsible for leading the company’s commitment to energising women and girls’ football from grassroots through to the elite level, uniting all organisations as a powerful force for women and girls in Scotland, both on and off the pitch. Using ScottishPower’s platform to promote awareness, diversity and participation in both football and STEM careers, Julie’s philosophy is to develop strategic initiatives which are meaningful, authentic, and action-driven.

Missy Bo Kearns

Missy Bo Kearns

Missy Bo Kearns is an England youth international and one of the brightest midfield talents in the Women’s Super League. A Liverpool native, she spent 15 years at her hometown club, making over 100 appearances and captaining the England U23s. In August 2024, Kearns made a high-profile move to Aston Villa on a three-year deal, aiming to elevate her game and secure a spot in the senior Lionesses squad. At Villa, she has already captained the team in a Women’s League Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur, demonstrating her leadership qualities .

In recognition of her outstanding performances, Kearns was named Young Player of the Year at the 2023 Women’s Football Awards, highlighting her rapid rise in the sport. Her ambition and drive make her a key figure to watch in the coming seasons.

Adam Jones

Adam Jones

Adam Jones is Senior Commercial Director at DSV, where he leads strategic growth initiatives and builds high-value partnerships across the logistics sector. Beyond his corporate role, Adam is a passionate advocate for the growth and recognition of women’s football. A long-standing supporter of the women’s game at both grassroots and professional levels, he actively champions increased investment, visibility, and opportunity for female athletes. Through sponsorship initiatives and community backing, he has supported local clubs including Worksop Town Ladies FC, helping to provide resources that enable players to develop and compete.

Liesel Jolly

Liesel Jolly

Liesel is the Women’s Football Lead at VISA in Europe where she played an integral role in VISA becoming the first major brand to partner with UEFA Women’s Football. She currently manages the UEFA property portfolio for VISA and is responsible for developing the strategy, management and activation of the Team VISA Women’s Football programme. In 2020 Liesel co-created The Second Half, a career development programme for professional female footballers, which aims to prepare players for the transition into their second career once they hang up their football boots.

Pete Graves

Pete Graves

Pete Graves is one of the most recognisable presenters on Sky Sports, fronting some of the network’s biggest football coverage including Soccer Saturday and live Premier League programming. Known for his sharp interviewing style and infectious enthusiasm for the game, Pete has become a trusted voice for football fans across the UK. He has also served as a judge for the Women’s Football Awards since 2023, and has reported on the ceremony for Sky Sports, helping to highlight the achievements of players and organisations driving the growth of the women’s game.

2026 JUDGING PANEL

Yvonne Harrison

Yvonne Harrison

Yvonne Harrison is CEO of Women in Football, a role she has held since January 2022, championing equality and opportunity across the game. With over 20 years’ experience in the sports industry, including leading Project 92 and driving education initiatives such as UA92, she is a powerful advocate for change. In recognition of her impact, Yvonne received a Women’s Football Award in 2023.

Danielle Carter

Danielle Carter

Danielle Carter is a former England international and one of Arsenal’s most accomplished forwards. She enjoyed a distinguished career with Arsenal Women, winning major domestic honours including the FA Women’s Super League and the FA Women’s Cup. Capped by England women’s national football team, Danielle is widely respected for her contribution to the game. Today, she continues to use her experience and insight to champion the growth and future of women’s football.

Hayley McQueen

Hayley McQueen

Hayley McQueen is a leading sports broadcaster and presenter for Sky Sports, where she has become a familiar and trusted face of football coverage. With a career spanning over a decade, Hayley has covered major domestic and international competitions, and is a passionate advocate for the growth and visibility of women’s football. Known for her professionalism, insight and engaging on-screen presence, she has played a key role in bringing the women’s game to wider audiences and celebrating the athletes and stories that shape it.

Caroline Weir

Caroline Weir

Caroline Weir is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or forward for Spanish Primera División club Real Madrid CF and the Scotland women’s national team. The global football star, who has also played for Liverpool and Manchester City, is also ambassador for Common Goal and Girls United. 

Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher is a Liverpool legend and former England international who has become one of football’s most respected broadcasters. Since retiring in 2013, he has brought his trademark passion and insight to Sky Sports and CBS. His love for the game extends beyond the pitch and screen – Carragher co-founded the Women’s Football Awards initiative in 2023, helping to shine a spotlight on the achievements and growth of the women’s game.

Lianne Sanderson

Lianne Sanderson

Lianne Sanderson is a former England international and one of the most respected voices in women’s football. Earning over 50 caps for England, she enjoyed a successful playing career with clubs including Arsenal and several teams in the United States, winning major honours and competing at the very top of the game. Since retiring, Lianne has become a prominent broadcaster and pundit, including hosting her own show on talkSPORT, where she regularly shares expert insight on football across the men’s and women’s game. Known for her honesty, knowledge and passion, she is a strong advocate for the continued growth and visibility of women’s football. Lianne has also been involved with the Women’s Football Awards since the very beginning, bringing her experience and perspective to the judging panel and helping celebrate the individuals and organisations driving the game forward.

Chloe Morgan

Chloe Morgan

Chloe Morgan is a former professional footballer and the current Head of She’s A Baller, a UK-based platform and creative agency dedicated to championing women’s football culture. A former goalkeeper for Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Crystal Palace, Chloe transitioned to a career in media and advocacy after retiring from professional football in 2022. She co-hosts the Upfront podcast and has contributed to major outlets like BBC Sport, talkSPORT, and Sky Sports News. As Head of She’s A Baller, Chloe leads initiatives that celebrate and promote the women’s game, from grassroots to elite levels. Her work emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and representation, making her a prominent voice in the sport.

Fiona McIntyre

Fiona McIntyre

Fiona McIntyre is a leading figure in women’s football, currently serving as the Managing Director of the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL). Appointed in July 2022, she was the inaugural person to hold this role, following her tenure as Head of Girls’ and Women’s Football at the Scottish FA. During her time at the Scottish FA, McIntyre played a pivotal role in implementing the first-ever strategy for girls’ and women’s football in Scotland. She won the Unsung Hero award at the 2025 Women’s Football Awards. 

Anna Deignan

Anna Deignan

Anna Deignan, Director of Fans and Development at the Premier League, has been at the League for 5 years and in the sports sector for 10. She leads on fan engagement for the Premier League’s loyal and passionate fan base and also leads on partnership work with the women’s professional game, plus supporting wider PL work on girls and grassroots investment. She had a long career as a senior civil servant prior. Her last roles in Government were at the Department of Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) as Head of Sport.

Kim Leadbeater MBE MP

Kim Leadbeater MBE MP

Kim Leadbeater has been Labour MP for Batley and Spen since July 2021 and is chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Sport. Prior to her election, Kim was a lecturer in Higher Education and  later set up her own business as a personal trainer, wellbeing coach and group exercise instructor.  In 2021 she was awarded an MBE for her services to social cohesion and combating loneliness.

Eniola Aluko MBE

Eniola Aluko MBE

Former Chelsea and Juventus star Eni Aluko has incredible football pedigree, having played more than 100 times for England. The ex-striker, who has won numerous trophies and represented Team GB at the Olympics, was appointed sporting director at Aston Villa WFC after hanging up her boots before switching to Angel City FC in the United States. Aluko also works as a pundit and commentator across the men’s and women’s game.

Conor Coady

Conor Coady

Conor Coady is an England international defender for Leicester City. Coady was part of the England squad the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, making over 450 career appearances for clubs such as Everton, Wolves and Liverpool. He was named Football Ally of the Year at the 2021 British LGBT Awards and co-founded Football for Change, the social mobility charity, alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jamie Carragher.

Toni Duggan

Toni Duggan

A trailblazer in the women’s game, Toni Duggan set the standard for playing abroad having started her career at Everton and then switching to Manchester City before plying her trade in Spain at Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Having so far made more than 75 appearances for England, the versatile winger and forward is now back on home soil with the Toffees and is an ambassador for Football For Change and Kick It Out

Seema Jaswal

Seema Jaswal

Seema Jaswal is a globally-recognised sports presenter who has achieved a broadcasting ‘quadruple’ in football – leading coverage on Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and international matches – for BT Sport and ITV. Seema fronted coverage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and hosted the Women’s Champions League final for DAZN. 

Julie Keough

Julie Keough

Julie is Brand Director at ScottishPower and has spearheaded the landmark partnerships with Scottish Women’s Football and the Scottish Women’s Premier League. She is responsible for leading the company’s commitment to energising women and girls’ football from grassroots through to the elite level, uniting all organisations as a powerful force for women and girls in Scotland, both on and off the pitch. Using ScottishPower’s platform to promote awareness, diversity and participation in both football and STEM careers, Julie’s philosophy is to develop strategic initiatives which are meaningful, authentic, and action-driven.

Missy Bo Kearns

Missy Bo Kearns

Missy Bo Kearns is an England youth international and one of the brightest midfield talents in the Women’s Super League. A Liverpool native, she spent 15 years at her hometown club, making over 100 appearances and captaining the England U23s. In August 2024, Kearns made a high-profile move to Aston Villa on a three-year deal, aiming to elevate her game and secure a spot in the senior Lionesses squad. At Villa, she has already captained the team in a Women’s League Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur, demonstrating her leadership qualities .

In recognition of her outstanding performances, Kearns was named Young Player of the Year at the 2023 Women’s Football Awards, highlighting her rapid rise in the sport. Her ambition and drive make her a key figure to watch in the coming seasons.

Liesel Jolly

Liesel Jolly

Liesel is the Women’s Football Lead at VISA in Europe where she played an integral role in VISA becoming the first major brand to partner with UEFA Women’s Football. She currently manages the UEFA property portfolio for VISA and is responsible for developing the strategy, management and activation of the Team VISA Women’s Football programme. In 2020 Liesel co-created The Second Half, a career development programme for professional female footballers, which aims to prepare players for the transition into their second career once they hang up their football boots.

Adam Jones

Adam Jones

Adam Jones is Senior Commercial Director at DSV, where he leads strategic growth initiatives and builds high-value partnerships across the logistics sector. Beyond his corporate role, Adam is a passionate advocate for the growth and recognition of women’s football. A long-standing supporter of the women’s game at both grassroots and professional levels, he actively champions increased investment, visibility, and opportunity for female athletes. Through sponsorship initiatives and community backing, he has supported local clubs including Worksop Town Ladies FC, helping to provide resources that enable players to develop and compete.

 

Pete Graves

Pete Graves

Pete Graves is one of the most recognisable presenters on Sky Sports, fronting some of the network’s biggest football coverage including Soccer Saturday and live Premier League programming. Known for his sharp interviewing style and infectious enthusiasm for the game, Pete has become a trusted voice for football fans across the UK. He has also served as a judge for the Women’s Football Awards since 2023, and has reported on the ceremony for Sky Sports, helping to highlight the achievements of players and organisations driving the growth of the women’s game.