On Friday evening (31st January 2020), Morton in the Community hosted their annual awards evening for what will go down as a successful year for not only our girls’ pathway but the girls game as a whole.
The evening was hosted by Sports Project Manager Lee Mitchell who began proceedings with a reflection on 2019 and the success it brought to Morton in the Community. Highlights of the year include a record number of girls being involved with the beautiful game, successful runs in both league and cup for U13s and U15s respectively and securing a sponsorship deal with Specsavers Greenock.
Senior team Head Coach Gary Forbes also gave a short speech about 2019 in the National girls game and the importance of the youth pathway to the success of the Senior Team.
It was then time for the main event. All of our squads from Under 9 through to Under 17 were welcome onto the stage to receive their medals under rapturous applause from their proud parents and guardians.
After the buffet break, it was then time to present the individual awards. Presented by the coaches of each squad was Coaches Player of the Year award;
U13 – Brooke Taylor
U15 – Tess O’Brien
U17 – Louise Hughes
Assisted by League and Cup double-winning senior team captain Taylor Davis, Gary Forbes then presented the Top Scorer award;
U13 – Annie Donald (28 Goals)
U15 – Katie McAuley (14 Goals)
U17 – Rhianna Rankin (8 Goals)
Finally, Lesley Brown and Claire Kincaid from our sponsors of the girls’ pathway Specsavers Greenock, presented the Players Player of the Year award;
U13 – Christy Campbell
U15 – Tess O’Brien & Kerry Sharp
U17 – Lauren McAskill
In a poignant end to the awards ceremony, Lee Mitchell introduced the new ‘Billy Sharp Memorial award’. This award will be presented every year in Billy’s memory. Billy was a dedicated and passionate supporter of the girls’ game. Notably, Billy worked tirelessly with our U15 squad over the last few years. Sadly, Billy passed away in December but his commitment and dedication to the girls game will not be forgotten. The first recipient of this award was Kerry Sharp.
After a successful raffle, it was time to swap the football boots for the dancing shoes as players and parents alike headed onto the dance floor.
A massive thank you must go to Specsavers Greenock, for their year-round support of the girls game. Thanks must also be paid to all who helped with the running of the night – The Exchange, Darren Mitchell Photography and Trophy Box.