Yesterday saw the first day of 2026 PFA Awards shortlist announcements, including nominations from leagues across the EFL.
The Players’ Player of the Year awards are voted for by the athletes themselves, so even a place on the shortlist is an honour for nominees. The event, hosted in August, is one of the biggest dates in the EFL calendar for many, especially those exclusive enough to be up for the award.
In the WSL2 category, Charlton Athletic Women goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse has made the final six of this year’s nominations, securing her place in the lineup of top WSL2 players after her club secured promotion to the Women’s Super League at the end of last season, defeating Leicester City Women through a penalty shootout in the promotion/relegation game.
A Strong Season For Sophie Whitehouse
Whitehouse’s performance in goal was widely considered to be a main factor in the team’s promotion by both players and fans alike. During the first 120 minutes, she denied anything that came her way, despite sustained pressure from the City strikers, with the 29-year-old’s efforts keeping Charlton in the game until the end of regulation.
Despite four shots on target from the opposition, the Charlton keeper managed to keep a clean sheet.
Once penalties began, the crowd displayed their faith in Whitehouse through roars of applause. Her concentration during this time demonstrated her dexterity, as she denied penalty after penalty from the opposition. By the end of the match, only one of the Foxes’ spot kicks was converted by Olivia McLaughlin.
With two penalties scored by Charlton Athletic, this near-perfect performance was enough to secure a promotion to the WSL, marking the first time the club will play top-flight football since 2008.
Whitehouse’s heroics in the promotion/relegation final was not her only impressive performance in recent times, however. During the 25/26 season, Whitehouse has secured eight clean sheets for her team, becoming a key figure in the Addicks’ promotion to the top flight.
Previous Awards
After her outstanding goalkeeping this season, Whitehouse becomes one of the six players to be shortlisted in the first WSL2 Player’s Player of the Year category. It sees her in a category of players from respected clubs such as Bristol City Women and Crystal Palace Women, amongst others.
This nomination comes after another award for Whitehouse this year, after being awarded the WSL2 Golden Glove for her phenomenal performance across her 22 appearances last season. When she won earlier this year, the team’s manager, Karen Hill, gave her high praise as one of the key players on the team.
“Her attitude, her commitment, and dedication has never dropped… contagious to everyone around her,” she said. “She’s the type of player everyone loves to have in their team, but the one you absolutely hate to play against.”
This year’s Players’ Player of the Year awards will decide whether she can secure her second award this year. The event, taking place at the Manchester Opera House, will be hosted on Tuesday 25th August 2026.
Writer’s View
After her season in goal for Charlton, it is undeniable that Sophie Whitehouse is worthy of a second award this year. Her role in the team’s promotion is without doubt something to be celebrated.
However, she will certainly be facing competition from other deserving contenders. She is up against other talents, such as her Republic of Ireland teammate Abbie Larkin, whose attacking output guided Crystal Palace to a WSL return.
