Endacott Wins 23/24 Women's Player of the Season
Mia Endacott has been named as Argyle Women's Player of the Season, as well as picking up the Young Player of the Season award.
Mia, 16, was promoted to the first team in early September following her promising development through the Argyle Women's player pathway. She went on to appear 17 times for the Greens this season, scoring four goals, with her first coming in front of a crowd of over 2,000 at Home Park, in Argyle’s 13-0 Adobe Women’s FA Cup victory over Ilminster Town.
Endacott has also made numerous appearances for the England Under-17s this season, playing a crucial part in the team's qualifying rounds, as well as being named in Natalie Henderson’s squad for the recent European Women’s Championships, in which the Young Lionesses reached the final.
“I’m grateful to have received the Young Player and Player of the Season awards,” said Mia, speaking to Argyle TV.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my first season in women's football, with a great group of players and staff. I've enjoyed the physical challenge and learning to adapt to the women's game. Thank you to all the staff, players, supporters, and fans for making my 23/24 season so enjoyable.”
This year's Players’ Player of the Season award was won by striker Ellie Sara, who also won the team’s Golden Boot. The prolific 18-year-old has amassed a total of 29 goals in her first season as a Green, setting up a further eight for her teammates along the way.
Her form in front of goal puts her third in the league’s top goalscorers list, something that the striker had her eyes set on from the moment she put on the Argyle kit this season.
“It’s an honour to receive these awards,” said Sara. “To win players’ player is a good feeling as it shows that my teammates recognise my performance this season.
“Winning the Golden Boot is an amazing achievement as it reflects my consistency with scoring goals throughout the season. I said at the start of the season I wanted to score 15 goals and to have nearly doubled that is an incredible success that I’m proud of.”
Vice-captain Imy Crawford was selected by manager Ryan Perks for the Manager's Award. Imy, 20, has appeared for Argyle 99 times across her four years at the club and has gradually become a mainstay in the Greens’ midfield.
Fans may remember Crawford's sensational finish in Argyle’s third-round victory against Oxford United in the FA Cup, sending the Greens to a penalty shoot-out that they eventually won.
“I’m really pleased to have won this award,” said Imy. “It’s nice after putting in the hard work throughout the season to get the recognition for that.
“Personally, I think I’ve grown in confidence a lot on the pitch this season. Having Ryan have that belief in me to go out and perform is something I’m grateful for. I have enjoyed every minute of the season and I think a huge part of that is the group of girls we have here.
“I am looking forward to enjoying some time off to spend with my family and friends, but I can’t wait to get going again and push on next season.”
Perks also sat down with Argyle TV earlier this week to share his thoughts on this season’s award winners.
He said: “Mia has settled well into the women's game from making the step up from under-16s into senior football. This season has really helped her develop as a player.
“Ellie has had a fantastic season and scored a lot of important goals that have been vital for the team. We have always known Ellie can score goals, as she has done it at the club through all the age groups. It's great to see her doing the same in senior football. She’s a vital player for the team and has been a pleasure to work with this season.
“Imy has had a fantastic season and settled into the role of vice-captain. She has continued to grow as a player since she made her debut a few years ago. She’s had a huge impact on how we play as a team and is a key player for us. She fully deserves this award and I look forward to continuing to work with her next season.”
