Sydney FC midfielder Caitlin Foord has been named the AFC Youth Player of the Year award, with the Hyundai A-League's Sarah Ho named women's AFC Assistant Referee of the Year.
Sydney FC midfielder Caitlin Foord has been named the AFC Youth Player of the Year award, with the Hyundai A-League's Sarah Ho named women's AFC Assistant Referee of the Year.
Foord's mature displays at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany earned the winger the award.
Foord was just 16-years-old when she represented her country at the biggest international tournament in women's football and her performances for the Westfield Matildas saw the Sydney FC star named the Best Young Player at the Women's World Cup, which took place in Germany over June and July.
Having showed ability and composure beyond her years at such a high level competition, Foord was awarded the prestigious accolade ahead of Japan's Mai Kyokawa and DPR Korea's Yun Hyon-hi, who were MVP and top scorer at the AFC U-19 Women's Championship.
“It's fantastic to be one of the nominees first but ultimately winning the award makes me very happy,” said Foord, who turned 17 on November 11.
“Women's football in Australia is going up and it will continue to grow more in years to come.”
Caitlin Foord is also one of five nominees for the 2011 Young Performer of the Year in the Sports Performer Awards.
Voting closes at 23:59 on Wednesday, December 7.
Read Caitlin's biography and cast your vote here!
Sarah Ho Ho, and fellow Australian Alyson Flynn, assisted compatriot Jacqui Melksham at the opening match of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup between hosts Germany and Canada, and was an assistant referee in nine AFC matches this year, with the 33-year-old participating in five games at the AFC U-19 Championship in Ho Chi Minh City and four at the AFC U-16 Championship held in Nanjing.
Receiving her award, Ho said, "Normally I am used to holding a flag but this time holding a trophy has a bit of a different affect on me - I am quite nervous but at the same time very happy to be amongst Asia's top.
"I really enjoy my job as an assistant referee as it is also one of the specialised jobs in football."