Published 09 July 2024 3 min read
England Women's Senior Team
Fara Williams Pitch unveiled at St. George's Park
Lionesses legend recognised at St. George's Park with the naming of the Fara Williams pitch
Fara Williams has had one of the primary pitches at St. George’s Park named in recognition of her remarkable England career.
England women’s most-capped player received the tribute today as the Lionesses prepare for their final UEFA EURO 2025 qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Sweden.
The newly refurbished state of the art Pitch 5, the home of the England Women’s U23s and a central location for the other female development teams including the England MU21s, will now be named the ‘Fara Williams’ pitch.
Williams earned a record 172 caps and scored 40 goals in an international career which spanned from 2001 to 2019, playing in three World Cups. She was a key figure in the squad who earned a third-place finish in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and also helped secure a runners-up spot at UEFA EURO 2009. After her retirement, she enjoyed a period coaching the England WU23s and WU17s.
England women’s most-capped player received the tribute today as the Lionesses prepare for their final UEFA EURO 2025 qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Sweden.
The newly refurbished state of the art Pitch 5, the home of the England Women’s U23s and a central location for the other female development teams including the England MU21s, will now be named the ‘Fara Williams’ pitch.
Williams earned a record 172 caps and scored 40 goals in an international career which spanned from 2001 to 2019, playing in three World Cups. She was a key figure in the squad who earned a third-place finish in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and also helped secure a runners-up spot at UEFA EURO 2009. After her retirement, she enjoyed a period coaching the England WU23s and WU17s.
"Of course it’s a huge honour," said Fara at Tuesday's unveiling.
"I definitely wasn’t expecting it, I thought when I retired the England connection would be done.
"But the work the FA have done in remembering some of the players makes you realise that they do appreciate what you gave to the game back then and even though it’s changing, I was part of that journey.
"I was very surprised but it’s really nice that England’s home of football has recognised me. I wasn’t much of a runner so I hope players use it to run with the ball at their feet."
Kay Cossington, FA women’s technical director, said; “Fara is a key part of the Lionesses’ history. In representing her country 172 times with such distinction and for her impact on and off the field, it’s only right that she receives a permanent tribute at the home of our England teams. It’s particularly fitting that her name will adorn the home of our England WU23s, serving as a reminder to them the dedication it takes to reach the top of the game and of her legacy.
“It’s also great to see the history and successes of England Women’s teams reflected within St. George’s Park with two icons of our game recognised, previously Kelly Smith, top goalscorer at the time, and now Fara. St. George’s Park has traditionally been the place where dreams begin for all our teams. I hope it will be an inspiration for the next generation.”
The Lionesses’ UEFA EURO 2025 qualifying group draws to a conclusion with final two fixtures during the international window. The team take on the Republic of Ireland at a sold out Carrow Road on Friday 12 July, before travelling to Gothenburg to take on Sweden on Tuesday 16 July.
"I definitely wasn’t expecting it, I thought when I retired the England connection would be done.
"But the work the FA have done in remembering some of the players makes you realise that they do appreciate what you gave to the game back then and even though it’s changing, I was part of that journey.
"I was very surprised but it’s really nice that England’s home of football has recognised me. I wasn’t much of a runner so I hope players use it to run with the ball at their feet."
Kay Cossington, FA women’s technical director, said; “Fara is a key part of the Lionesses’ history. In representing her country 172 times with such distinction and for her impact on and off the field, it’s only right that she receives a permanent tribute at the home of our England teams. It’s particularly fitting that her name will adorn the home of our England WU23s, serving as a reminder to them the dedication it takes to reach the top of the game and of her legacy.
“It’s also great to see the history and successes of England Women’s teams reflected within St. George’s Park with two icons of our game recognised, previously Kelly Smith, top goalscorer at the time, and now Fara. St. George’s Park has traditionally been the place where dreams begin for all our teams. I hope it will be an inspiration for the next generation.”
The Lionesses’ UEFA EURO 2025 qualifying group draws to a conclusion with final two fixtures during the international window. The team take on the Republic of Ireland at a sold out Carrow Road on Friday 12 July, before travelling to Gothenburg to take on Sweden on Tuesday 16 July.
ENGLAND WOMEN'S LEGACY