Player of the Round Award celebrates star performers in SSE Women's FA Cup

SSE and The FA have launched the SSE Women’s FA Cup Player of the Round Award to recognise exceptional performances in the competition as it progresses.

To celebrate the announcement, the outstanding performances from the first three rounds of the competition have been recognised and players from Tottenham Hotspur Ladies, Charlton Athletic Ladies and Long Eaton Utd have received their awards.

Precious Hamilton of Long Eaton Utd LFC starred in the biggest result of the first round which saw her side eliminate Wolverhampton Wanderers LFC, which plays two divisions above Long Eaton Utd. Hamilton scored two goals in a 3-2 win, including a cool finish from the penalty spot.

Leah Rawle from Tottenham Hotspur LFC was selected following an outstanding performance in Tottenham’s second round away trip to Swindon Town, scoring twice in the process. On receiving her award, she said: “I’m thrilled, it was actually my birthday weekend and to score two goals in The SSE Women’s FA Cup alongside a great team performance made it extra special.”

Gemma Shephard from Charlton Athletic LFC shone in the third round of the competition, netting five times, including a hat-trick inside the first 15 minutes, to send her side on the way to a 10-0 win against Newcastle United LFC.

Alan Young, SSE’s Managing Director of Corporate Affairs said: “There is an extraordinary level of talent already involved in the sport so it is important that we recognise and celebrate these individuals. In doing so, we can help create role models to inspire the next generation of women’s footballers.”

The award, which is voted for by a panel of women’s football experts including BBC Sport’s Jo Currie, Sport Magazine’s Sarah Shephard, women’s football expert Tony Leighton and the Offside Rule’s Lynsey Hooper, will continue round-by-round until the highly anticipated final takes place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 14 May.

Thanks to The FA's partnership with SSE, all children will be able to attend the game for free. Adult tickets are priced £15 and group bookings and charter standard discounts are also available.

Tickets for The Final are on sale now via TheFA.com/Tickets or by calling 0844 826 2010.