As anticipation builds for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, England’s national team—the Lionesses—took a heartfelt step to honor the very foundations of their football journeys. In a special ceremony at St George’s Park, each player was presented with the shirt of the club where their career began, celebrating the grassroots clubs, coaches, and volunteers who shaped their paths to the elite stage.
A Tribute to Football’s Local Heroes
On a memorable Monday at England’s national football center, the Lionesses were surprised with jerseys from their first-ever clubs. The gesture was designed to recognize the pivotal role local teams and communities played in nurturing their early talents. Each of the 26 players—including standbys—represented a different club, spanning the spectrum from grassroots outfits like Alnwick Town FC (Lucy Bronze) and St Martins AC (Maya Le Tissier) to professional academies such as Villarreal CF (Hannah Hampton) and Queens Park Rangers (Chloe Kelly).
Around 150 coaches and current players from these clubs were invited to the event, ensuring that the individuals who helped lay the foundations for the Lionesses’ careers could share in the occasion. The shirts, now a symbol of their roots, will accompany the squad to their training camp in Switzerland as a constant reminder of where it all began.
Sarina Wiegman’s Emotional Message
England head coach Sarina Wiegman addressed the squad and guests, emphasizing the importance of remembering the joy and passion that first drew the players to football. “I often say to the squad, ‘Go back to that young girl who first started playing football, think about the happiness those days provided you,’” Wiegman said. “All of the players have had a different journey, but their love for the sport will have started at their first club. For them to wear the shirt of their first-ever club and to have many people who were key to their development at training is really special.”
The Clubs Behind the Lionesses
Below is a snapshot of the diversity of clubs represented by the England squad:
- Alnwick Town FC (Lucy Bronze)
- St Martins AC (Maya Le Tissier)
- Brandon Groves AFC (Michelle Agyemang)
- Villarreal CF (Hannah Hampton)
- Queens Park Rangers (Chloe Kelly)
- Bearsted Girls (Alessia Russo)
- Epsom Eagles (Lauren James)
- Furness Rovers (Georgia Stanway)
- North Walsham FC (Lauren Hemp)
- Pearson Juniors (Keira Walsh)
- Scots Sport and Social Club (Leah Williamson)
- West Kirby United FC (Niamh Charles)
This list underscores the nationwide reach of grassroots football and the vital role local clubs play in developing future stars.
The Legacy of Grassroots Football
The event also highlighted The FA’s campaign, “Made for This Game,” which aims to unlock equal opportunities for women and girls to access, participate in, and thrive in football. James Kendall, Director of Football Development at The FA, noted, “This celebration of grassroots football is a reminder that the foundations of the game are built in local communities, by dedicated coaches, clubs, and volunteers who give players the chance to fall in love with football.”
The initiative is part of a broader movement to inspire the next generation, showing that every girl and woman belongs on the pitch and can dream of reaching the highest levels of the sport.
Preparing for Euro 2025
As defending champions, England’s Lionesses are gearing up for a challenging tournament. They will face France in their opening Group D match on July 5, following a farewell game against Jamaica at Leicester’s King Power Stadium. The team’s tribute to their roots serves as a powerful motivator and a reminder of the broader mission to grow the women’s game across Europe.
FAQs: England’s Tribute to Grassroots Clubs and Women’s Euro 2025
1. Why did England’s women’s team wear their first club shirts before Euro 2025?
The Lionesses wore their first club shirts to honor the grassroots clubs, coaches, and volunteers who played a crucial role in their early development, highlighting the importance of local football communities.
2. How many clubs were represented by the England squad?
A total of 26 clubs were represented, with each player or standby player coming from a different team, showcasing the diversity of grassroots and academy football across the country.
3. What was the significance of the event at St George’s Park?
The event celebrated the journey of each player from their first club to the national team, bringing together coaches, current players, and club representatives to recognize the impact of grassroots football.
4. What is The FA’s “Made for This Game” campaign?
The campaign aims to provide equal opportunities for women and girls to access and thrive in football, emphasizing that everyone belongs in the game and can achieve their dreams.
5. When and where will England play their first match at Women’s Euro 2025?
England’s first match is against France in Group D on July 5, 2025, in Switzerland. They will also play a send-off match against Jamaica at Leicester’s King Power Stadium before the tournament.
Conclusion
England’s tribute to the clubs where their players’ careers began is a touching reminder of the power of grassroots football. As the Lionesses prepare to defend their European title, they carry with them the spirit and support of the communities that made them who they are today. This heartfelt gesture not only honors the past but also inspires the future, showing that every journey to the top starts with a single step—on a local pitch, with a local club, and a love for the game.
