YFOTY January Nominee: Princess Ibini

Sydney FC forward Princess Ibini has been announced as the January nominee for the 2015/16 W-League Young Footballer of the Year award.

In her debut season, the 15-year-old has transitioned from a substitute for Dan Barrett into a starter alongside seasoned teammates Leena Khamis, Kyah Simon and Jasmyne Spencer.

“I was really shocked to get nominated,” said Ibini of her nomination.

“Being my first season in the Westfield W-League I wasn’t expecting anything like this but I’m really honoured to be nominated for such a fantastic award.”

Ibini's recent form has assisted the Sky Blues to qualify for their first W-League Grand Final since 2013 and while Melbourne City are favourites, they will hold little fear for the striker after she scored her first goal against the 2015/16 premiers.

Ibini is the second Sydney FC and fourth player to be nominated for the Westfield W-League NAB Young Footballer of the Year 2015/16 Award.

As well as the nomination, NAB has provided Earlwood Wanderers, Ibini's junior club of choice, with a a $1,500 equipment pack and $1,000 in a NAB Community Saver Account.

Paul Juergens, Chair of the NSW/ACT State Leadership Council & NSW Retail GMsaid he is delighted to see the NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award unearth the stars of tomorrow.

“We congratulate Princess on her nomination and look forward to watching her development and growth on the football field in the years to come,” Mr Juergens said.

“We are also pleased to recognise Earlwood Wanderers in Sydney as Princess’ nominated junior club, and hope that our support will help the club continue to develop the game at a grassroots level."

The overall winner of the NAB Young Footballer of the Year 2015/16 Award will receive a $10,000 personal investment portfolio, along with a NAB Private Client Manager to assist with a range of banking and financial services.

The NAB Young Footballer of the Year 2015/16 will be announced on 26 April 2016 at the A-League and W-League 2015/16 Awards Night.