Owen Elding capped off what has been a wonderful 2025 for the Sligo Rovers striker by scooping the PFAI Men’s Young Player of the Year award for this year, the first Rovers player to win such an award in 38 years. 

The 19-year-old enjoyed what was a breakout year for the Riverstown man who netted an incredible 16 goals in 38 games for the Bit O’Red this term, seeing out the season as the club’s top-scorer. 

He was also included in this year’s Team of the Year. While Rovers boss John Russell was nominated for Manager of the Year.

Elding, who joined the club as a child, made his Rovers debut at the Showgrounds in a Premier Division game against Shelbourne in May 2023. To date, he has played 67 times for the club, with his first senior goal arriving on the opening day of the 2025 season against Waterford. 

His goals were vital in Rovers securing a 21st consecutive season in the Premier Division, as Russell’s men finished in seventh spot.

Elding is the first Rovers player to win the young player of the year award since Martin Bayly back in 1987. He is the first Sligo Rovers man to win a PFAI award since Mark Quigley in Rovers’ title winning season of 2012.