Women's football: Leah Williamson delighted to scoop England award

Leah Williamson believes her 2014 England Women's Youth Player of the Year Award has been the result of pushing herself after finishing as runner-up for the same accolade in 2012.

The versatile 17-year-old played 14 times for England across three different age groups during 2014, scoring two international goals.

“I think playing for your country is just such a big honour and to then be recognised further is amazing,” Williamson told Sky Sports.

“There are few things, if any, that are better than playing for your country. Putting on the shirt is wonderful for me but this is excellent.

“For it to also have come from my coaches who have a lot of influence over the way I play and have made me the player I am is amazing.

“A couple of years ago I was runner-up for the same award and I think that has perhaps given me extra motivation (to improve).

“The whole experience of going to those awards and coming runner-up was incredible. It was amazing but it wasn’t enough. Being a runner-up is never enough.

“At the same time I’m still a little shocked because I didn’t know the award was there for the taking. But I really focused this year. I really focused on my football and focused on pushing on so it’s really nice to be recognised.”

Earlier this week, Williamson’s Arsenal and England team-mate Casey Stoney told Sky Sports that the teenager was her player to look out for in 2015.

Williamson said Stoney’s guidance has been invaluable for her and paid tribute to international coaches Marieanne Spacey and Mo Marley for helping her become the player that she is today.

“Marieanne is a legend in women’s football and so is Mo,” she said.

“Everything that comes out of their mouth you take on that little bit more because it’s coming from experienced people who have played at the level you want to be at.”

Williamson won the FA Cup with Arsenal last term and also saw her stunning chip against Chelsea shortlisted for goal of the season last year.

She added: “Despite being in a transition year at Arsenal we still won a trophy so I definitely think we’ll be aiming high this year.

“I just want to get on the pitch for Arsenal and England in 2015. Everyone has goals but I don’t really set any limits on what I hope to achieve. I will just keep working hard to develop and try and get as much game time as I possibly can and we’ll see what happens.”