Emma Fletcher

Emma Fletcher honoured at Man Utd Academy Awards

Saturday 20 May 2023 08:13

On Friday evening, over 700 proud parents, families, and players packed out the Manchester Suite at Old Trafford to celebrate the successes of the Manchester United Regional Talent Centre (RTC) and Emerging Talent Centre (ETC).

The Reds have the largest RTC and ETC in the country with 193 girls representing the club this season and became the first club to appear in all three Women's FA Cup finals in one season (U16, U21 and First team). 

Successes for the campaign have included the U16s RTC side being named champions with eight of the girls representing England and Wales at youth age, while the U14s were crowned North West RTC champions and the U10s and U11s were runners-up in the Timperley and District Summer League Cup. 

The evening was a special one with Martha A being named the first ever recipient of the Emma Fletcher Academy Player of the Year award. 

A heart-warming visit from Tooney Video

A heart-warming visit from Tooney

Watch as Ella Toone surprises an inspirational United coach to deliver some very special news...

Last week Fletcher, who is behind the successes of the Academy at Manchester United, was visited by graduate and now first team player Ella Toone. 

Our no.7 broke the news to Emma, who suffers from Huntington's Disease, that the award was going to be renamed in her honour to celebrate her contributions to the club. 

Speaking on Friday night, she said: "It's been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to lead this team. We have an incredible team and they have always had my back and it makes what I do so much easier.

"With the last two years, letting people know that I have Huntington's, it's not always been easier but every single one of you has had my back. We want to make every girl a better player, a better girl and a better woman in the future."

Ex RTC graduates Bella Reidford, Ella Kiznett, Jess Simpson and Saf Middleton-Patel were on hand to give out the awards, as well as senior defender Maria Thorisdottir. 

Each player was handed an individual trophy before the awards were handed out, with coaches speaking about the passion and dedication of all the teams throughout the evening. 

As the night drew to a close Polly Bancroft, Head of Women's Football said: "I have smiled so much throughout this evening, it's been fantastic to see so many of you walking through the door and coming to collect your trophies. 

"I am really excited about the future of women's football at Manchester United. There is a huge amount of talent in this room. 

"There's a really exciting future for each and everyone of you ahead, whether that is on the pitch or off the pitch, there are so many opportunities now."

First team player Maria Thorisdottir was in attendance to hand out awards.

AWARDS WINNERS 

RTC U10s

Player's Player of the Year - Heidi M

Coaches Player of the Year - Hallie C

RTC U11s

Player's Player of the Year - Halle M

Coaches Player of the Year - Ellie-Mae R

RTC U12s

Player's Player of the Year - Mylee D

Coaches Player of the Year - Layla H

RTC U13s

Player's Player of the Year - Taya L-T

Coaches Player of the Year - Holly W

RTC U14s

Player's Player of the Year  - Aaliyah P

Coaches Player of the Year - Portia H-L

RTC U16s

Player's Player of the Year - Ruby S

Coaches Player of the Year - Scarlett H

Martha A won the Emma Fletcher Academy Player of the Year after scoring 98 goals this season for the RTC U16s.

ETC U7 Player of the Year - Saoirse H

ETC U8 Player of the Year - Savannah N

ETC U9 Player of the Year - Dollie B

ETC U11 Player of the Year - Lily B

ETC U13 Player of the Year - Jessica C

ETC U15/16 Player of the Year - Holly L

Emma Fletcher Academy Player of the Year - Martha A

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