Chelsea manager Emma Hayes OBE has today been announced as the winner of the Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by Weston Homes, at the 2022 London Football Awards.
Hayes’ award comes off the back of an incredible year for the manager, in which she led Chelsea to a Women’s FA Cup and Women’s Super League double, whilst also taking them to their first ever Champions League final in May 2021.
Her achievements have also seen her named Women’s Super League Manager of the Year for the 2020-21 season and FIFA Women’s Coach of the Year for 2021, as well as being awarded an OBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours list for her services to women’s football.
A past nominee for Manager of the Year category, this is Emma’s first win at the London Football Awards and she has scooped the most prestigious award of the night, Outstanding Contribution to London Football.
Since taking over at Chelsea in 2012, Hayes has gone on to become one of the most recognisable and successful managers in London football, winning four Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and one Community Shield. She has since become a pioneer for the women’s game in the UK as she strives to take Chelsea, and the game as a whole, to new heights. It is this contribution to the game that lead to her winning the biggest award of the night.
Speaking about the award, Hayes said: “As a Londoner, I’m extremely proud. It’s an award ceremony I’ve attended several times and watched several wonderful people win, with all they’ve achieved in the game. To be receiving this award in my hometown – and more importantly in Camden, my real hometown – is a huge honour for me and my family.”
Bob Wilson OBE, founder of Willow said: “The London Football Awards judging panel are thrilled to be recognising Emma’s achievements at this years’ Awards. Over the years Emma’s name has appeared as a nominee several times. Her contribution to the game and in particular women’s football is incredible and we are extremely honoured to celebrate this at the 2022 event.”
Hayes follows in the footsteps of newly-appointed Watford manager Roy Hodgson CBE, who won the award last year whilst managing Crystal Palace. Other previous winners include Hayes’ close friend Ian Wright MBE, as well as Les Ferdinand MBE and Glenn Hoddle.
The 2022 London Football Awards will be the 8th ceremony following its launch in 2015. The awards, set up by ex-Arsenal legend Bob Wilson OBE and his charity the Willow Foundation, celebrate the achievements of players, clubs and initiatives taking place in London from across the year.
All proceeds from the awards go to Willow, the UK’s only national charity helps provide special days and treats for seriously ill young adults aged 16 to 40 year old’s living with life-threatening conditions. The charity was founded in 2000 by Wilson and his wife Megs following the death of their daughter Anna from cancer aged 31.
Toscafund is the official principal sponsor of the London Football Awards. The 2022 London Football Awards will be held at the Roundhouse on Thursday 3rd March. For more information, please visit: https://londonfootballawards.org/.
