Rachel Yankey OBE
A Lionesses legend with 129 caps and 19 goals, Rachel Yankey had a glittering career with England and Arsenal. A skilful, pacy forward, she scored on her international debut against Scotland in 1997 and went on to represent England at EURO 2005 and 2013, the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics.
Her remarkable club honours include 11 Women’s FA Cup titles, two WSL medals and six FA Women’s Premier League titles. Now coaching young players in schools and continuing to inspire the next generation, Rachel was awarded an MBE in 2014 for services to football.
Gillian Coultard MBE
One of England’s original trailblazers, Gillian Coultard earned over 100 caps for the Lionesses during an era when the women’s game received little recognition or support. Competing long before professionalism, she was instrumental in raising standards and belief within the national setup. Her pioneering contribution helped lay the foundations for the success, visibility and professional pathways the game enjoys today.
Eartha Pond
A former England youth international and FA Women’s Cup winner, Eartha Pond has built an influential career both on and off the pitch. Deeply committed to grassroots football, she has championed participation and access for young people through sustained community engagement and advocacy. Now a respected leader in governance and inclusion, Eartha continues to drive meaningful progress in representation, equality and opportunity across the football pyramid.
Shelley Kerr MBE
Shelley Kerr MBE made history by leading Scotland to their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019. A former international turned elite coach and technical leader, she has consistently championed high-performance standards and pathway development for women in football. Her leadership has elevated ambition and belief within the Scottish game and beyond.
Kelly Smith MBE
Widely regarded as one of England’s greatest-ever players, Kelly Smith redefined technical excellence and competitive standards in women’s football. A prolific goalscorer and Arsenal icon, she starred for club and country across multiple eras. Now shaping the next generation through coaching and mentoring, her influence continues to resonate throughout the modern game.
Nikita Parris
An elite forward with major domestic and international honours, Nikita Parris has been a driving force in the professional era of women’s football. Beyond her on-field achievements, she is deeply committed to widening access to the game – actively supporting grassroots initiatives that encourage women and girls, particularly those from marginalised communities, to see football as accessible and welcoming. Through advocacy, mentoring and community engagement, she continues to inspire participation and belief in the next generation.
Ellen White MBE
England’s all-time leading scorer, Ellen White played a pivotal role in the Lionesses’ historic UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 triumph. A consistent and clinical leader at club and international level, her legacy has helped transform belief, visibility and ambition within the women’s game across England.
Gilly Flaherty
A commanding defender and serial title winner, Gilly Flaherty has captained teams to domestic success while helping raise professional standards during the WSL era. Her leadership, resilience and longevity have made her one of the defining figures of the modern women’s game.
Fran Kirby
Technically gifted and fiercely resilient, Fran Kirby has been central to Chelsea’s domestic dominance and England’s international success. Off the pitch, she has become a powerful voice for mental health awareness in football, partnering with initiatives such as The CALM Zone’s “Unseen Signals” campaign to highlight hidden struggles and promote open conversations. By sharing her experiences and championing wellbeing, Fran is helping create a more supportive and understanding environment for women and girls in the game.
Ini Umotong
A prolific forward with international experience, Ini Umotong has combined elite performance with purpose throughout her career. Now working with Adidas, she continues to influence the women’s game from a global brand perspective — shaping conversations around representation, athlete empowerment and the future commercial growth of women’s football, while remaining a powerful role model for young players.
Jess Fishlock MBE
Wales’ record goalscorer and a global ambassador for the game, Jess Fishlock has built a remarkable career spanning the USA, Australia and Europe. A fierce competitor and passionate advocate, she continues to drive standards, visibility and belief in women’s football at every level.