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Published 15 July 2023 4 min read
England Women's Senior Team

Trailblazing Lioness Margaret 'Paddy' McGroarty meets squad in Australia

Written by:

David Gerty

Former England Women's player presented with her legacy cap ahead of World Cup campaign

ENGLAND WOMEN'S TEAM LEGACY

As their FIFA Women’s World Cup preparations continued to gather pace, the England players and staff welcomed a trailblazing former Lioness to their ranks today and presented her with her legacy number and unique legacy cap.

Margaret ‘Paddy’ McGroarty was part of the first ever England women’s team who made history when they participated in the inaugural full international fixture against Scotland in 1972. The Lioness was capped six times, scoring two goals.

Paddy, as she’s affectionately known, now lives in Melbourne, Australia and was unable to attend the 50th anniversary celebration of the 1972 team last year. Many of her fellow teammates received their bespoke caps as part of a special presentation at Wembley Stadium ahead of England’s fixture against the United States in October 2022.


She was invited to meet the team train at the Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday and after training the players and staff gathered as Mary Earps led the presentation of her unique legacy number and cap, which is an honour bestowed to all 227 players who have played for the senior team.

Paddy was then invited to present Lucy Staniforth with her legacy cap, as the only member of the travelling player group who had yet to receive the accolade.

 

The England squad hear from former player Margaret 'Paddy' McGroarty at their training base in Queensland
The England squad hear from former player Margaret 'Paddy' McGroarty at their training base in Queensland

"It was a privilege to meet Paddy today and we're delighted she made the journey from Melbourne to see us," said Earps.

"The team of 1972 play a special part in the history of the game. Whatever has been subsequently achieved would not have been possible without that group of women leading the way and breaking down barriers. We stand on their shoulders.

"Legacy number six means she'll always be one of us. Once a Lioness, always a Lioness."

And McGroarty added: “Never in a million years could I recognise how the game has grown and what it is now. Today was a real honour and I’m thrilled to have visited. To receive the welcome I got from the players and staff means a huge amount. I’ll be cheering them on and wish them the very best of luck for the tournament.”


Kay Cossington, FA women’s technical director, said: “Every former player has played their part in the team’s journey and the introduction of legacy numbers is a permanent reminder of their impact and the history of the England senior women’s team.

"Paddy is a valued member of the ‘England family’ and we hope she can reflect with pride on being part of a small group of women who have transformed football and made an everlasting impact on society. Her legacy number six is unique to her and a symbol of her legacy in growing the game.

“We thank Paddy and everyone who has worn the shirt since 1972 and epitomised what it means to be a Lioness.”

England continue their preparations and travel to Brisbane on Monday 17 July ahead of their first game in the tournament against Group D opponents Haiti on Saturday 22 July. They also face Denmark (28 July, Sydney) and China PR (1 August, Adelaide).