The Lions were visited by former England player Margaret ‘Paddy’ McGroarty, who was presented with her heritage number and unique heritage hat on the Sunshine Coast
With the FIFA Women’s World Cup just days away from kicking off, Sarina Wiegman’s England team welcomed Margaret ‘Paddy’ McGroarty to practice with the team.
McGroarty, a member of the first British women’s team, has been invited to the Lions’ training facility on the Sunshine Coast to receive her heritage number and unique heritage hat. McGroaty made history as part of the team that featured in England’s first full international match against Scotland in 1972.
Lioness was capped six times, scoring two goals. Paddy, as he is affectionately called, currently lives in Melbourne, Australia and was unable to attend the team’s 50th anniversary celebrations last year.
Many of her teammates received custom hats as part of a special presentation at Wembley Stadium ahead of England’s game against the United States in October 2022. McGroarty was invited to attend. meet the team at Sunshine Coast Stadium today on Saturday.
After practice, the players and staff regrouped, with goalkeeper Mary Earps leading the presentation of her unique legacy exponents and numbers. This is an honor given to all 227 players who have played for the national team.
McGroarty was then invited to present quarterback Lucy Staniforth with her old hat, as the only member of the itinerant team to have yet to receive the award.
Mary Earps of England said: “It was an honor to meet Paddy today and we are delighted that she made the journey from Melbourne to meet us. The 1972 team plays a special role in the history of the company. game.
“Anything achieved after that would not have been possible without that group of women leading the way and breaking down barriers. We stand on their shoulders. The #6 legacy means she will always be the one. one of us. Once a Lioness, always a Lioness.”
“Never in a million years have I been able to realize how the game has evolved and how it is now,” said McGroarty. Today is a real honor and I am delighted to visit. Receiving the welcome I received from the players and staff meant a lot. I will cheer them on and wish them the best of luck for the tournament.”
Kay Cossington, Women’s Technical Director at the FA, added: “Every former player has played their part in the team’s journey and the introduction of legacy numbers is a permanent reminder of the impact. their and the history of the senior British women’s team.
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“Paddy is an important member of the ‘British family’ and we hope she can be proud to be part of a small group of women who have changed football and made a lasting impact on the football community.” Her #6 legacy is unique to her and a symbol of her legacy in game development.
“We thank Paddy and everyone else who have worn this shirt since 1972 and epitomizes what it means to be a Lioness.”
England will travel to Brisbane on Monday (July 17) before their first game of the tournament against Group D opponents Haiti on July 22. They also face Denmark (July 28, Sydney). ) and China (August 1, Adelaide).
