Hope named Sportswoman of the year at the Black Achievement Awards

Following on from her OBE earlier this year, Hope Powell last night received another prestigious award, being named Sportswoman of the year at the Black Achievement Awards...Hope beat off strong opposition in the form of people like athlete Kelly Holmes and was understandably delighted when she caught up with TheFA.com on Monday.

"It's a really great honour," said the coach of the England women's team. "Unfortunately, I couldn't make the awards in person because I was away working in France but to be chosen ahead of someone like Kelly Holmes is something I am very proud of.

"With our World Cup matches against France, it's fair to say that the profile of women's football is currently as high as it's ever been. It's great that it has been recognised in this way and, I am also honoured to be considered a role model for other black athletes."

TheFA.com and everybody at The FA congratulates Hope on her most recent achievement...and wishes her and her team the best of luck for the second leg of the World Cup Qualifier against France on November 16.