Harrogate’s very own Lioness, Rachel Daly, has announced her retirement from international football after an eight-year stint.
The Aston Villa forward, who started her career at Killinghall Nomads Junior Football Club, revealed the news today following England’s 2-0 win against the Republic of Ireland yesterday.
Daly, 32, played a key role in the Lionesses’ success at UEFA Euro 2022, where she started every game of the tournament, as well as in the final of last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The former Rossett School pupil won a total of 84 senior caps for England and scored 16 goals.
In a statement, Daly said:
“I would love nothing more than to play for England forever, but the time has come for me to hang my boots up on the international stage.
“While today is an extremely difficult day for me, it is also one filled with reflection and immense gratitude. Playing for and representing England has been the greatest honour.
“During my eight years as a Lioness, I’ve always pursued success and winning football matches, while playing and training with the highest standards of competition, passion and perseverance.
“It has been the greatest honour to represent my family, my teammates and the entire country. I have a lot of incredible memories during my time with England that have been pivotal moments.”
Daly began her professional career at Leeds United before climbing the international ladder at the FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup in 2008, in New Zealand.
She later moved to Lincoln Ladies in 2010, followed by a stint in the American National Women’s Soccer League playing for Houston Dash.
After working her way back to England, Ms Daly then made her senior team debut in 2016, where she scored against Serbia.
Harrogate has also marked her successful career, with her first club naming the club café after her – Nomad’s Daly Brew – and her former school inviting her to open the new football pitches last year.
England head coach Serina Wiegman said:
“Rachel has been an incredible part of our story and the history we’ve made together. It has been a privilege to work with her.
“I have never worked with a player so versatile, always with a smile on her face, bringing energy and trying to do her best for the team.
“Off the pitch she is always up for a joke or a nice conversation. She’ll be missed not just by me but all the other staff members, players and of course the fans.
“It is sad that she won’t be with us anymore, but we should celebrate what she has done for the team and now she becomes our No.1 fan. I would love to see her in the stands in future cheering for us and helping us to get some more wins.”
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No.3: Leisure centre revolution in Harrogate and Knaresborough
In this article, which is part of a series on the 12 stories in the Harrogate district that shaped 2023, we’re looking at the council’s £47.9 million investment into local leisure centres.
The Harrogate district has undergone something of a council leisure centre revolution in recent years – with Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon all boasting multi-million pound developments.
The process has certainly not been plain sailing. From sink holes and temporary gyms to delays, North Yorkshire Council’s fitness projects have rarely been out of the Stray Ferret news.
But by the end of the year it was hard to dispute the view of Mark Tweedie, the managing director of Brimhams Active, which runs leisure facilities on behalf of the council, that the district’s facilities were the envy of North Yorkshire.
In a further twist, however, the new North Yorkshire Council has now said it is to scrap Brimhams and bring all of the county’s leisure services back in-house.
Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre
The former Harrogate Hydro, now known as the Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre, opened in September following an almost 18-month transformation.
The £13.5 million refurbishment included a 400-square metre fitness centre, a new sauna and steam room, improved reception area and café, as well as an overhaul of the existing gym, spin, leisure and swimming facilities.
The Brimhams Active-run site boasts three swimming pools: a 25-metre lane pool, a diving pool and a children’s pool.
People can also attend fitness classes, including an immersive spin class, pilates and yoga.
The opening was well-received. When the Stray Ferret reported on it, one person’s comment on social media summed up how many felt:
“It’s amazing, we are so lucky to have theses facilities in Harrogate.”
In May, North Yorkshire Council said the cost of the scheme had increased from a budgeted £11.9 million.
Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre
The long-awaited Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre opened its doors in December.
Work began on the site, which is next to the former Knaresborough Pool, in April 2022 after plans were approved the month before.
It was originally expected to open in summer, however, the opening date was repeatedly delayed until this month.
The transformed centre now offers a six-lane 25-metre pool, a leisure pool and slide, and a 60-station fitness suite.
Like the Harrogate site, there is also a sauna and steam room, a café, a group cycling studio and a studio for fitness classes.
The outdoor children’s play area is still in the works but is expected to open in January.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for arts, culture and housing, Cllr Simon Myers, told the Stray Ferret ahead of its opening:
“You come over the brow of the hill in Knaresborough and see the leisure centre building – it is such an attractive building.
“It sits so well in its space, it’s full of light and the facilities are fantastic.
“This is what local authorities can achieve. It’s a real asset to Knaresborough.”
Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre, Ripon
The Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre, in Ripon, has not only faced the most bumps – or holes – in the road, but also the biggest expenditure of the three.
Although the site officially reopened in March last year, Ripon residents are yet to see the full transformation.
The old part of the site is locked in a sinkhole groundhog day of never-ending work on a “void” beneath the building, which remains closed.
Following the discovery of the void, which is believed to have been there for several years, the now defunct Harrogate Borough Council submitted a planning application to install a temporary gym in the centre’s car park in July 2022.
This was to enable the closure of the existing gym on the upper floor of the 28-year-old building, which was found to require £3.5 million worth of ground stabilisation works.
The temporary structure was supposed to open that autumn – just months after the application was submitted – however, the installation was continually delayed.
It was not until April this year that the £300,000 building, which houses the temporary gym, was installed.
The stabilisation work, which began in June, brought the cost to £18 million — £8 million over budget.
However, that too has not come without challenges.
North Yorkshire Council said in October its movement checks revealed multiple cracks up to 10mm long.
It said the cracks have affected the “weather tightness of the building and the operation of doors and windows” but added specialists had said there were no safety concerns.
The council said at the time the estimated completion date and costs were “under review”.

Works at the site.
‘Stop throwing good money after bad’
Councillor Andrew Williams, a member of the Conservative and Independents group at the council and leader of Ripon City Council, said last year it was time to stop “throwing good money after bad” and to “look for a suitable location for a new leisure centre to be built on sound land”.
In response to the discovery of the cracks, Cllr Williams said:
“The building is under very close monitoring to ensure that there is no movement as the works progress, if there is movement then the position will have to be reviewed in the light of that information.
“The situation is far from ideal and I hope that it will prove possible to complete these works because the bottom line is that Ripon needs a functioning leisure centre.”
The new building, which includes the swimming pool, sauna and steam room, has remained open throughout.
However, it looks like members will be using the temporary gym and attending group classes at Hugh Ripley Hall in the city centre well into 2024…
Read more:
- VIDEO: First look at new £17.5m Knaresborough leisure centre
- ‘Multiple cracks’ detected at Ripon leisure centre
- ‘Our leisure centres will be the envy of North Yorkshire’
Where to watch the World Cup final in the Harrogate district
Pubs, sports clubs and other venues across the Harrogate district are gearing up for a morning like no other tomorrow, as England’s Lionesses face Spain in the World Cup Final.
The match takes place at Stadium Australia in Sydney, kicking off at 11am UK time.
The early start has not deterred fans and businesses alike from making the most of the occasion.
No doubt the biggest cheers will be for Rachel Daly, the former Rossett School student and Killinghall Nomads junior player, who will be hoping to start once again for the Lionesses.
Here’s a round-up of some of the places putting on a special event for the match.
If you know anywhere else, email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will add it to the list.
Harrogate
The Empress on the Stray will be open from 10am to welcome fans.
The Tap on Tower Street is opening its doors at 11am for the match.
The Den, on Cambridge Road, will be showing the match.
The Balcony at Harrogate Cricket Club will be open from 10am, with bacon butties, hot drinks and the bar open. Book a seat via the website.
Husk Beer Emporium will be open for the match from 11am.
Harrogate Conservative Club on East Parade will be showing it from 10.45am.
Bilton Cricket Club on Bilton Lane is opening at 10am and offering a free pint to anyone who wears their England shirt. Check the club’s Facebook page for booking details.
Starbeck Working Men’s Club on Forest Avenue will be showing the match on a big screen, with doors open from 10.30am.
The Knox in Bilton will be serving breakfast butties from 10.30am ready for kick-off.
The Shepherd’s Dog on Otley Road will be open from 10.30am and serving sausage and bacon butties.
Knaresborough
Knaresborough Town Football Club on Manse Lane is hosting a watch party, with doors open from 10.30am.
The Cricketers on Thistle Hill will be open from 10am for the match.
Ripon
The Black Swan in Westgate is throwing a Women’s World Cup Final party from 10.30am, with a raffle and England merchandise.
So! Bar and Eats in Old Market Square will open its doors at 10.30am. There will be free bacon sandwiches until kick-off.
Ripon Bowling Club in Bondgate Green is opening from 9am for fans to gather and watch the build-up and match together.
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- Stray Ferret backs Killinghall Nomads campaign for Harrogate to honour Rachel Daly
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From Jane Austen to beer festivals: what’s on in the Harrogate district this weekend
Summer may be drawing to a close but weekend activities across the district are certainly not.
Whether you’re looking for an evening with Oscar Wilde, a win for the Lionesses, or just a family picnic in the sun, we’ve collated a list of all that’s on offer this weekend in the Harrogate district.
FEVA FESTIVAL – Knaresborough
This weekend sees the final few days of Knaresborough’s FEVA.
The arts festival includes exhibitions, live music and theatre.
An adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility will be held at Knaresborough Castle this evening from 7pm – tickets start at £20.
Knaresborough Library will also host An Evening with Wes Martin – a Knaresborough-based bestselling crime author – and Aubrey Parsons, a vocal performer who has worked for Disney, the BBC and Audible.
Mr Martin will be on hand to answer all questions crime-related, as well as signing books, while Ms Parsons will be reading some of her favourite extracts from The Yorkshire Murders. The event is £5 to attend.
The free Picnic in the Park will take place outside Knaresborough House tomorrow from midday to 5pm.
Simply bring along a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of live music.
Knaresborough Lions’ Beer Festival will also be held at Knaresborough House this weekend and will showcase 25 special beers, as well as wine, cider, and lager.
The beer festival is free to attend and begins this evening at 5pm. It will also run from midday to 11pm on Saturday, August 18, and midday to 5pm on Sunday, August 19.
For a full breakdown of this weekend’s events, click here.
Women’s World Cup Final: England vs Spain
Sunday sees the nail-biting final between the Lionesses and La Roja.
Harrogate’s own Rachel Daly has helped the team reach their first ever World Cup final and will be supported by many local fans.
Several venues across the district will have live screenings of the match, which kicks off at 11am GMT.
Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest – Ripon Spa Gardens
An adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest will be performed in Ripon Spa Gardens tomorrow evening.
Chapterhouse Theatre Company, based in in Lincoln, will be putting on the show as part of its Open Theatre Air Tour.
Attendees are encouraged to enjoy a picnic beneath the stars by bringing food, blankets and chairs.
Gates open at 6pm and the show will begin at 7pm – tickets start at £20.90 for adults.
Knaresborough’s Calcutt Gala celebrates 20th year
Calcutt Gala will be returning for its 20th anniversary on Sunday.
The event, which will be held at Knaresborough Forest Cricket Club, will include a martial arts demonstration, live music, a BBQ and bar, as well as an ice cream van and tombola.
The Cricketers will also be streaming the World Cup final before the gala.
The gala begins at midday and entry is £2 for ages 12 upwards.
All funds raised will be donated to the cricket club.
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Rachel Daly probably thought her day could not get any better when she helped England reach the final of the Women’s World Cup.
But the Harrogate hotshot has also been nominated for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.
Daly, 31, is one of six nominees for the award, which is voted for by other players.
She won the Golden Boot for finishing as the leading scorer in the Women’s Super League, netting 22 times for Aston Villa Women after signing from Houston Dash last summer.
Daly, who has 381,000 followers on Instagram, is up against:
Ona Batlle – Manchester United
Sam Kerr – Chelsea
Frida Maanum – Arsenal
Guro Reiten – Chelsea
Khadija Shaw – Manchester City
The winner will be announced at 50th PFA awards ceremony on August 29.
In the meantime, Daly has the small matter of a World Cup final against Spain to look forward to at 11am on Sunday after helping the Lionesses defeat hosts Australia in today’s semi-final.
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Rachel Daly aims for World Cup quarter-finals this morning
Rachel Daly will hope to power England into the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup this morning.
The Lionesses take on Nigeria at 8.30am at Brisbane Stadium in Australia in a match broadcast live on BBC One.
The winners will play either Columbia or Jamaica in the last eight on Saturday.
Harrogate-born Rachel Daly has played a major role in the Lionesses’ success so far, even though she has been selected as a left-back rather than as a striker.
The former Killinghall Nomads player, whose mother still lives in Harrogate, scored in the 6-1 rout of China in the final group match. Daly also played the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 defeat of Denmark and came on as a substitute in the opening win against Haiti.
England, who have reached the last two Women’s World Cup semi-finals, are firm favourites to advance from this morning’s match.
But the tournament has seen numerous shocks already, with defending champions the United States crashing out yesterday on penalties to Sweden.
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Harrogate’s Lioness scores final goal in 6-1 win over China
Harrogate footballer Rachel Daly got her name on the scoresheet as England’s Lionesses won a place in the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup today.
The former Killinghall Nomads junior player scored the last of England’s six goals against China, volleying the ball in emphatic style in the 85th minute.
It was the second time Daly had been selected to start in the group stage matches, having been brought on as a substitute in the last 15 minutes in England’s first game, against Haiti.
She made her presence felt, getting involved in some tough tackles as China fought to stay in the competition.
But England were too strong, with Lauren James, Alessia Russo and Lauren Kemp all contributing to the 6-1 final score in Adelaide.
The Lionesses now face Nigeria in the next round, with the match kicking off at 8.30am on Monday.
Daly, who grew up in Harrogate and went to Rossett School, plays for Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League.
She was the winner of the golden boot in the 2022-23 season, but has more often been selected to play in defence for England — a role she again filled today.
Read more:
- From Harrogate to New York to the World Cup: Rachel Daly’s ‘whirlwind’ career
- ‘Get behind Lionesses’ call from Harrogate football fans
‘Get behind Lionesses’ call from Harrogate football fans
Football fans from across the Harrogate district are being urged to get behind England’s women as they prepare to begin their World Cup campaign.
The Lionesses – including Harrogate’s Rachel Daly – are set to face Haiti in their first match this morning in the Australian city of Brisbane.
Because of the time difference, many of their matches will be played in the morning, but fans are still hoping there will be a celebratory atmosphere around Harrogate
For Harrogate personal trainer Lauren Randall, getting pubs to open their doors as they would for the men’s world cup is an important step. She told the Stray Ferret:
“If it was the men’s world cup, every bar would be having bottomless brunches and everywhere would be open.
“I’ve got a few friends wanting to go and watch it and we struggled to find somewhere that was going to be open. It should not be this tricky to find somewhere.
“The fact that we have got a local girl playing one of the biggest sporting tournaments in the world is great.
“She’s going to have local friends and family and fans wanting to watch it.
“I’ve got clients saying, ‘let me know where you’re watching it, maybe I can bring my kids along’. How amazing would it be to come along and watch it together and enjoy that atmosphere?”
However, several local bars have now confirmed they will open their doors early to give fans somewhere to watch together.
The Harrogate Arms, The Alexandra and The Empress on the Stray have all said they will be open in time for kick-off at 10.30am today.
Rachel Daly opened the new cafe at her former club, Killinghall Nomads, this year.
As a pupil at Rossett School, Lauren played football with Rachel Daly, who was in the year above her.
Both girls earned soccer scholarships to universities in the USA, but an ankle injury put paid to Lauren’s career a few years later and she trained to be a PT.
Rachel, meanwhile, went from playing for Houston Dash to moving to Aston Villa last summer, where she was named player of the season and won the golden boot.
She featured in all of England’s games in last year’s European Championships, which England went on to win.
Lauren said she hopes people will keep asking venues to show the matches this year, adding:
“The Euros changed the game. It has really come along.
“You can buy England shirts with women’s names on the back and the players are being paid better too.
“Things like this – asking pubs to open up – is the only way it’s going to get everywhere. If they don’t know people want to watch it, why would they open?”
Meanwhile, another former Harrogate resident is also hoping to help build the fan base for women’s football.
Maisie Adam, a former St Aidan’s pupil, has launched a podcast with fellow comedian Suzi Ruffell.
In the first episode of Big Kick Energy, they discussed the positive atmosphere at women’s matches and the inclusivity of the women’s game.
Maisie tells listeners:
“Women’s football isn’t new. What’s new is the attitude towards it. It’s a really, really exciting time, which is why we’ve done this podcast.
“Whether or not you’ve historically loved football since day dot, or if you’re somebody who’s always felt that football isn’t for you because everything is screaming ‘this isn’t for you because of who you are’, now is the time to get on board. Football is for you.”
Read more:
- From Harrogate to New York to the World Cup: Rachel Daly’s ‘whirlwind’ career
- Harrogate hails returning hero Rachel Daly
Petition launched to honour all England Lionesses — including Harrogate’s Rachel Daly
A petition has been launched to award honours to all members of the England Lionesses team that won Euro 2022 — including Harrogate’s Rachel Daly.
Captain Leah Williamson was appointed OBE while Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze and Ellen White became MBEs in today’s King’s New Year Honours.
But the decision to recognise four players and not others in a team game has caused controversy.
A petition calling for all of the Lionesses’ playing squad to receive honours has already attracted 2,000 signatures.
Michael McCann, who started the petition, said:
“It simply does not feel fair at all, that after such a monumental collective effort, and given the historical precedents set with previous sporting successes in England, to chose to honour just four of the Lionesses players.”
Mr McCann calls on the Cabinet Office to “honour the entire 23-player squad with at least an MBE”.
Politicians, including Andy Burnham, the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, have questioned why only four of the team were recognised.
Why only four? They were a TEAM. It should be all or none and I say ALL. https://t.co/lc6ysVKZWL
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) December 31, 2022
The Daily Mail’s northern football correspondent, Dominic King, also expressed forthright views on Twitter.
If Gareth Southgate’s squad had won the World Cup, every member would have got recognition in the honours list. It’s puzzling, them, why every member of Sarina Weigman’s squad hasn’t been honoured. Sir Hugh Robertson’s explanation for the exclusivity is nonsense, too.
— Dominic King (@DominicKing_DM) December 31, 2022
Daly, whose career started at Killinghall Nomads, has had an amazing year. Besides winning Euro 2022 she has twice been named Women’s Super League Player of the Month for her scoring exploits at Aston Villa.

Rachel Daly receiving her player of the month award November.
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