WOMEN'S TEAM

George Chosen For Women's Award

Gabby George has been voted Everton Women’s Player of the Season after a standout campaign.

The England international missed only one match in 2021/22 – due to suspension – as the composed defender competed in her first full season since recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament rupture.

A commanding presence in the centre of defence, George earned six clean sheets in all competitions and was chosen as Player of the Season by her teammates.

Meanwhile, Sweden international Hanna Bennison is the recipient of the Club’s Young Player of the Season after a strong debut campaign.

“It’s a real privilege to receive this award,” the 25-year-old George told evertonfc.com.

“To win an award recognised by the people you work with every single day is one of the biggest honours.

“It’s been a season full of challenges and, as a group, we’ve learnt a lot.

“For myself, personally, I’m happy to be back playing on a consistent basis.

“At this point last year, I had just come back from injury after rupturing my ACL. There are a lot of people behind the scenes who deserve credit for this award as, with their help, I feel I’ve come back even stronger.

“Our supporters deserve immense credit as well. Their support has been fantastic this season and they’ve been our 12th player when it’s mattered most.

“This is a fantastic club, and we will do everything in our power to come back even stronger next season.”

Assistant Manager Chris Roberts – who took interim charge of the team from February onwards – praised the defender’s “strength in character”.

“Gabby has shown incredible consistency this year,” the Scot added. “To come back from an ACL reconstruction and play, not only to the levels she has, but so often shows how strong her character is. And it was Gabby’s strength in character that helped to drive the team on through a difficult season.

“This recognition from her teammates shows the impact she has had this year.

“I’ve no doubt there is much more to come from Gabby and I’m excited to see that progression.”


Bennison was chosen as the Women’s Young Player of the Season by coaching staff, with Roberts praising the 18-year-old’s work ethic and dedication since joining Everton last summer.

“Hanna has done very well in her first season in England,” he said. “It shows Hanna’s strength of character to move away from Sweden at 18 years old and perform so well. 

“The standard of performance and professionalism that Hanna sets herself every day is why she has such an exciting future in the game.

“From her great strike against Birmingham City, to her assist to Aurora Galli for the winner against Aston Villa, Hanna has stepped up when it has mattered.

“I’m confident Hanna will only continue to improve, and she has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in this league.”