Champions!

I wish I could have seen this as a nine / ten year old and I am ecstatic that a generation of girls can seek inspiration in this magnificent achievement of the Lionesses.

As children growing up in Formby in the 60s and 70s, we all knew several international football players. They were our neighbours and friends, approachable and well, just people. Our beloved Emlyn Hughes, Ray Clemence, John Toshack and Bob Latchford for example, were a normal part of the community, albeit revered. A group of us girls at St Luke’s primary school wanted to play. We begged our teacher, Eric Parker to let us. We trained most days at lunch time and some of the boys helped us. Jonathan stood in goal, Kurt and Paul handed on some skills they had learned and one day we were allowed to play in a mixed demonstration game. Emlyn watched us from the side lines. I will never forget that! We were so excited that we were then to play another girls’ team from Woodlands primary. A few days before the match, we were told the FA forbid the match as there was no insurance to cover us. That was the end of it all..

International players still choose to live in Formby. They are still revered, but it must be more difficult for them to have a normal profile. I’m sure they do everything they can to support their local community.

But now the girls can go for it, knowing the bridges are being built and they will be taken seriously.