10 February 2023 , 00:01
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England legend Jill Scott has been awarded with a unique honour after helping the Lionesses to glory at last summer's EUROs.
The former Manchester City midfielder, who announced her retirement from football last August, now has a pitch named after her, just five miles away from her native Sunderland. Scott, alongside representatives from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation officially opened the Jill Scott Pitch at Perth Green, Jarrow, on Thursday.
This year, more money than ever will be delivered by the Football Foundation into facilities across the country to create better quality grassroots facilities. 23 of these sites across England will be named after each member of the Lionesses' EUROs-winning squad.
Speaking at the official opening of her pitch, Scott said: "It’s an absolute honour to have a site that will be used by so many people in the local community named after me! Winning the Women’s EUROS was incredibly special and I hope, thanks to this recognition and funding from The Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, this pitch will benefit Lionesses of the future.“
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lucy Frazer added: “I’m delighted we are honouring Jill and the entire 23-woman squad as part of our £300 million investment in grassroots multi-sport pitches.
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“The Lionesses thrilled the nation with their historic Euros victory, delivering the nation’s first major tournament win in more than 50 years. They have inspired a generation of women and girls to believe they too can achieve their dreams.”
Scott helped England to victory at last summer's EUROs (Getty Images)The new floodlit 3G football turf pitch at Perth Green Community Centre in Jarrow was made possible thanks to a £500,000 grant from the Football Foundation. The pitch will support the growth of female, disability and recreational football in the local area and will be home to partner clubs Jarrow Town Youth, Jarrow Town Seniors, The Foundation of Light and Boldon CA Girls - who Scott played for as a youngster - and will utilise the site for their female development.
The FA’s Director of Women’s Football, Sue Campbell, said: “The England women’s team changed the landscape for the women’s and girls’ game when they lifted the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 trophy last year. The success of the team wasn’t just about lifting the trophy, it was also about changing the path for women and girls who want to or currently play football up and down the country.
“By 2024 The FA want to see 5,000 good-quality pitches added to the current number. With the Football Foundation, we are prioritising the areas and communities where these new pitches are most needed. This project allows us to provide more opportunities for people to play football across the region. Jill Scott has had an incredible career and no doubt inspired many people in her hometown to take up the game, so I’m sure 'The Jill Scott pitch’ will be extremely popular.”
The Jill Scott Pitch is the first site to be unveiled with Millie Bright, Rachel Daly, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Ella Toone joining her later this year and further announcements to come in 2024. All the facilities will be in and around the Lionesses’ hometowns or places that shaped their footballing careers.
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