Originally from the Wirral, the 24-year-old was recognised at the ceremony, which was held at the the Floral Pavilion Theatre, for her progression from junior football at West Kirby Wasps to playing for both Chelsea and England.

On accepting her award, Charles had a message for young aspiring players. She said: ‘Just enjoy it, go as much as possible and enjoy time with your friends. They are some special friendships you’ll have for the rest of your life.

‘Spend as much time as you can on the ball, learning and improving, and if you enjoy it you can go further than you imagine.’

Charles came through Liverpool’s centre of excellence and development squad before becoming a first-team regular.

She made her Women’s Super League debut at just 16 and went on to score 11 goals in 59 appearances for the Reds. In 2018, she was voted as the ‘Rising Star’ at the North-West Football Awards.

She became a Blue in the summer of 2020 and has gone on to surpass 100 appearances for Chelsea, contributing heavily to the silverware we have won during her time with the club.

Charles has played every minute so far this season and has three assists from as many games.

On the international stage, she received her first England call-up in the summer of 2020 and won her first cap against France a year later.

She experienced her first major tournament when she was selected in the England squad for the World Cup this summer, making her tournament debut against China in the group phase and helping the Lionesses to a second place finish.

Congratulations on your award, Niamh!