Gunners nominated for WSL Football Awards

Alessia Russo has been nominated for the Barclays Women’s Super League Player Champion of Change award, while Olivia Smith is in contention for the Rising Star Award.

The Rising Star Award is awarded to a player who has shown exceptional talent and potential in their first season or early years of the professional game, making a significant impact on the pitch. This player demonstrates promise for the future and continues to grow in skill, leadership and determination.

Aged just 21, Olivia has become an integral part of our first-team since joining from Liverpool in the summer of 2025.

She announced herself to our supporters with a stunning long-range strike in our opening day victory over London City Lionesses – a goal that showcased all of Olivia’s ability and was named Barclays WSL Goal of the Month for September.

In total Olivia has scored five goals and supplied two assists in her debut WSL season for Arsenal so far.

Olivia’s thrilling goal from distance against Liverpool in December was also nominated for the WSL Goal of the Month, while she was on the scoresheet again in a big game as we defeated Manchester City 1-0 at the Emirates in February. That goal came with Olivia playing as an out-and-out striker, illustrating her versatility and ability across the forward line.

Olivia has also excelled in other competitions for us this season, scoring in both the semi-final and final of the FIFA Champions Cup in early 2026 to clinch her first silverware for Arsenal. Olivia also found the net in the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League as we defeated Lyon 2-1 at Emirates Stadium.

Olivia Smith: Tearing the Super League apart

The Player Champion of Change Award recognises a Barclays WSL or Barclays WSL2 player who has made a significant impact within their community to bring attention to a subject or positively influence change.

Alessia is nominated following her decision to launch the Alessia Russo Foundation in October 2025.

The Alessia Russo Foundation’s mission is to enable girls and women to reach their potential on and off the field, and has already begun to make a meaningful and measurable impact on the community.

One of the foundation’s flagship activations is the Alessia Cup, the first edition of which took place in November 2025, in partnership with Sky Sports and Goals 4 Girls. The tournament brought together 180 girls from North London schools, with 97% describing the tournament experience as “excellent”, 72% leaving the tournament inspired, and 82% feeling more comfortable playing sport than beforehand. Fifty-three schools nationwide have since registered their interest in participating in future editions of the tournament.

Supporter Bethany Hall has been nominated for Fan of the Year.

Beth has been a regular presence at Arsenal Women matches for several seasons as a season ticket holder at Emirates Stadium. Her support predates the recent growth in attendances and visibility, and she has been part of the core group of supporters who helped build the matchday environment that exists today.

She is not only a supporter, but a talented creator and artist. She has an extensive portfolio of work but has used her skills as an illustrator and designer to contribute to women’s football community.

When Arsenal Women launched Block by Block this season — the club’s largest supporter consultation project in its women’s history — Bethany was one of the first supporters to contribute.

She not only joined in consultations as a supporter, but was commissioned as a co-creator – the continuation of a relationship with the club she has been building across her entire time as a supporter, reflecting her longstanding passion and commitment.

Her central contribution was a hand-painted mural installed permanently in the Block 26 concourse at Emirates Stadium. The mural honours Maria Petri — a beloved long-time Arsenal Women supporter — alongside club captain Kim Little, and supporters Laura Blake, Israelle, and Gerry the Hat. The images came from workshops she participated in with supporters from Blocks 23–25.

A now permanent fixture, it is the first hand-painted mural in Arsenal Women’s history at the Emirates, and the very first installation in the stadium involving a current serving player. Supporters of both the men’s and women’s teams continue to see and connect with it on every matchday.

The mural is a reflection of her longstanding dedication to Arsenal Women, a deep understanding of the club’s culture, community, and history, and her own talent and creativity to bring this to life in a distinctive way.

Reflecting on that process, Bethany said: “Talking with supporters about what mattered most to them and what imagery captured the spirit of Arsenal Women was amazing. It makes me so happy to know I’ve contributed to the club I love.”

She continues to work with the club on other important projects around the women’s team, and continues to be a thriving part of the AWFC community and Block by Block.