Perth Glory Women and Westfield Matildas striker Samantha Kerr is one of six contenders for the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Junior Athlete of the Year award.
17-year-old WAIS-AIS athlete Sam Kerr, has enjoyed a breakout year playing for the Westfield Matildas; starring in the team’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup victory earlier this year along with the recent Peace Queen Cup and friendly against World Champions Germany.
Kerr was also named the U20 Footballer of the Year at October’s Australian Football Awards.
Women’s football has been well recognised throughout the award categories, with the Westfield Matildas a contender for Team of the Year and Westfield Matildas coach Tom Sermanni nominated for Coach of the Year.
With her national commitments over for the rest of 2010, Kerr now has her sights set on success with Perth Glory in the Westfield W-League.
Kerr says her nomination has taken her by surprise.
“I had no idea about these awards so I’m in shock about it all,” she said.
“I guess I’ve had a good year, but my total focus is now just on the W-League and having success with the Glory.
“I knew the Matildas had been nominated and I think it’s fantastic because we’ve had a fantastic season; the Asian Cup has made a lot more people take notice of women’s football.
“It’s great for Tommy (Sermanni) to be nominated too and I think more recognition with awards like this will make people see how much the sport is growing.”
After an opening round loss to Canberra United, the Glory will be taking on Adelaide United at nib Stadium on Saturday 13 November with a view of taking all three points.
The match will also be the third annual National Breast Cancer Foundation fundraiser.
Kick-off is at 12pm local time.
