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Patricia Gregory MBE is set to be inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame in Manchester. The induction will take place during a live watch-along of England vs the Netherlands.
As the Lionesses take on the Oranje Leeuwinnen in Switzerland on July 9th for their second fixture of this summer’s Euros, Gregory will be recognised for her outstanding contribution to the development and visibility of women’s football in England.
Gregory is most known for being one of the central figures in the re-establishment of women’s football in the 1960s. On finding out the news of her induction, she said: “I am delighted to be joining such a prestigious football gathering. How exciting that someone who had an undistinguished playing career can be recognised for efforts which helped enable others to reach their playing potential.”
Patricia Gregory legacy
Gregory deservedly received an MBE last year for her persistent commitment to championing the women’s game. As co-founder of the Women’s Football Association (WFA) in 1969, she helped organise the women’s game at a national level during the FA’s ban on women’s football from 1921.
She was integral to laying the foundations of the WFA. Gregory played a hugely important role in the organisation of the first England women’s international matches. She also developed structured leagues for women and girls. The Football Association eventually took on the WFA in 1993. This led to investment in the women’s game in England.
The importance of her efforts may have been overlooked by some at the time. However, her persistent advocacy for gender equality in sport and the role she had to play in helping to lift the FA’s ban on women’s football is now rightly being appreciated.
“Patricia Gregory’s influence on women’s football in this country cannot be overstated. She helped build the structure for a game that was ignored, marginalised, and banned for decades. She did it with tireless resolve and dignity,” commented Tim Desmond, the Chief Executive of the National Football Museum.
“The Hall of Fame exists to honour figures like Patricia whose work has transformed football not just for players and fans today, but for generations to come. We are honoured to welcome her into our Hall of Fame.”
