Under-20s captain James Atkins was one of the big winners at WA Football Awards on the weekend. The Inglewood United attacker capped a memorable season by collecting the National Premier Leagues Under-20 Player of the Year, a trophy which will sit proudly alongside the Under-18 Player of the Year that he won two years ago.

“It feels great to be voted the best player of the Under-20s,” said Atkins, who also picked up the clubs’ Under-20 Player of the Year and Golden Boot awards earlier this month. “After working hard and doing my best for the team and (coach) Andrija Petrovic, week in week out, then to be awarded for the effort … I’m really happy.”

Atkins, 20, says being crowned the competitions best player was an unexpected way to end the year. “I’m surprised to have won,” he admitted. “I thought I had a good season but I had a couple of minor injuries mid-season, but when I played I gave it my all and I really appreciate that it was noticed.”

A constant thorn in the side of opposing teams, Atkins guided the Under-20s to third position on the ladder by hitting 17 goals in 20 appearances. Amongst the highlights of his season were hat-tricks against Bayswater City (H) and Stirling Lions (A) plus a typically workman-like performance in the final round defeat of ECU Joondalup.