England Manager Roy Hodgson and Olympic duo Denise Lewis and Sarah Storey were among the special guests as women's football took centre stage earlier today.

Club officials, players and dignitaries from across the women’s game all gathered at the 14th annual FA Women’s Awards at the Waldorf Hilton in Aldwych, London, to honour those who have made the biggest impact in the game in 2012, capping off what has been a huge year for the sport.

Women’s football was one of the biggest success stories of the Olympic Games, with Team GB’s 1-0 win over Brazil at Wembley a particular highlight.

That game attracted a record crowd for a women’s match in Britain – 70,584, a record that was beaten by the 80,203 that attended the Olympic Final between USA and Japan.

One of the stars of the Games was Team GB left-back Steph Houghton, who scored in each of the three group matches.

She said: “I struggle to put into words how amazing it was to be a part of Team GB.

“Playing four games in big stadiums in front of huge crowds is something we are never going to forget.

“To say that you have been a part of an Olympics is something we should all be proud of.

Houghton continued: “It is really pleasing to hear that we helped changed some people’s opinion of women’s football.

“A lot of people had a perception that women’s football is not as good as men’s football. I think the Olympics showed how good women’s football can be.

“And the fact the Olympics has been massive for us is something we have to take advantage of.”

After the Olympics, Team GB Coach Hope Powell then steered England to the Finals of Euro 2013 and what will be their fifth straight appearance at a major tournament.

The Three Lions qualified unbeaten from their group and they booked their place in Sweden with a 3-0 win over Croatia in September, a game that saw Rachel Yankey set a new appearance record (120 caps) for the England Women’s team.

Five other players also reached notable landmarks in 2012. Fara Williams, Casey Stoney and Rachel Unitt all earned their 100th cap while Jade Moore and Toni Duggan both made their senior team debut.

On the domestic front, Birmingham City won The FA Women’s Cup for the first-ever time, beating Chelsea in The Final, while Sunderland secured an FA Women’s Premier League and Premier League Cup double.

Arsenal retained The FA WSL title, going unbeaten throughout the season, and the Gunners made it back-to-back doubles by winning The FA WSL Continental Cup in October.

The individuals recognised at this year’s awards include each League’s respective top goalscorer, Beth Mead, Jodie Michalska, Natasha Knapman and Kim Little.

Everton and England defender Alex Greenwood collected The FA Young Player of the Year Award, while Stoney was named the International Player of the Year by England’s coaching staff.

And Jess Fishlock’s fine season with Bristol Academy was recognised by her fellow WSL colleagues as she was named the Players’ Player of the Year.

In 2013, The FA will celebrate its 150th anniversary and 20 years of running the women’s game, and we want to harness the momentum from the Olympics to continue to drive the women’s game forward at every level.

Last week we released details of our new five-point plan, entitled ‘Game Changer’, that will aim to do just that.

Full list of winners

Top Goalscorer, FA Women’s Premier League National Division
Beth Mead, Sunderland (18 goals)

Top Goalscorer, FA Women’s Premier League Northern Division
Jodie Michalska, Sheffield FC (18 goals)

Top Goalscorer, FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division
Natasha Knapman, Plymouth Argyle (14 goals)

Top Goalscorer, FA WSL
Kim Little, Arsenal (11 goals)

FA Digital Award
Yeovil Town (with special mention to FA WSL clubs)

FA Young Player of the Year
Alex Greenwood, Everton

FA Goalkeeper of the Year
Nicky Davies, Liverpool

FA Goal of the Year
Megan Harris, Lincoln

FA Coach of the Year, FA Women’s Premier League
John Saloman, Watford

FA Coach of the Year, FA WSL
Mark Sampson, Bristol Academy

FA Players’ Player of the Year
Jess Fishlock, Bristol Academy

FA International Player of the Year
Casey Stoney

FA Club of the Year
Birmingham City

Special Achievement Award
Trevor Clifton

100 England caps
Fara Williams, Casey Stoney, Rachel Unitt