In this article, which is part of a series on the 12 stories in the Harrogate district that shaped 2023, we look at Harrogate football star Rachel Daly and her achievements throughout the year.
Harrogate’s Rachel Daly had a year to remember.
From a World Cup final to being ranked 10th best player in the world, the former Killinghall Nomads star had a year of highlights.
The former Rossett School pupil Daly was top scorer in the Women’s Super League last season and named PFA Players’ Player of the Year.
She also featured in the World Cup final, where the Lionesses came close to making history but fell to a 1-0 defeat by Spain.
Rachel Daly at Rossett School next to her pitch.
Her achievements were enough to be recognised at her former school, which named a pitch in her honour.
However, while her astonishing achievements this year were enough for her former clubs and school, a move to get her more widely honoured proved difficult.
Rachel’s first club — Killinghall Nomads Junior Football Club — launched a petition this year in conjunction with the Stray Ferret calling on North Yorkshire Council to officially recognise their former player.
The council has done nothing to mark Rachel’s achievements, which include winning Euro 2022, playing in the World Cup final and winning the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award this year.
John Plummer, Stray Ferret editor, introduced the petition at a meeting in November where he said it was “to wake up and realise Rachel Daly is a local superstar who should be celebrated”.
He added that it was “inconceivable that the council would not be falling over backwards to honour, say, Harry Kane if he was from Harrogate”.
In the end, councillors voted to recommend awarding a civic honour to Daly.
Regardless of the recognitions and honours, the 27-year-old has put Harrogate on the sporting map.
Whether it be lifting the Euros last year or topping the scoring charts in the Women’s Super League, Daly will always be looked upon in her hometown with pride.
Read more:
- Harrogate’s Rachel Daly ranked 10th best player in world
- Football pitch in Killinghall named after local Lioness Rachel Daly
