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Football pitch in Killinghall named after local Lioness Rachel Daly

Harrogate Lioness Rachel Daly has had a grass pitch at her former football club in Killinghall named in her honour.

Daly trained with Killinghall Nomads at the start of her footballing career as a young girl. She has gone to be one of the best female footballers in the world, winning this year’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year.

The Rachel Daly Pitch at Killinghall Moor Community Park is home of Killinghall Nomads Junior Football Club and has become one of 23 Football Foundation-funded pitches named after each of the Lionesses.

The facility has been significantly improved after a £79,000 investment from the foundation, enabling more matches to be played year round.

With her former coach and current players at Killinghall this week.

Daly said:

“It’s so important for girls to have a good first experience of football if they’re going to form a lifelong love for the game, like I did during my time at Killinghall.

“That can’t happen without a quality pitch that you can play on throughout the year.”

The Killinghall pitch is the second local sports facility to be named after Daly this week. The England footballer also unveiled a 3G sports pitch bearing her name at Rossett school where she was a pupil.

The Lioness legacy grass pitch in Killinghall forms part of the foundation’s Here to Play campaign, which aims to provide equal access to women and girls playing football across the country.

Robert Sullivan, chief executive of the foundation, said:

“Grass pitches are the lifeblood of grassroots football so it’s extremely fitting that Rachel’s legacy for the local community in Harrogate should be honoured through this fantastic playing surface.

“Thanks to investment from the Premier League, The FA and Government, the Football Foundation is on a mission to transform the quality of grass pitches across the country and ensure every woman and girl has access to a quality place to play.”

Rachel Daly on the pitch named after her.

Chris Dixon, coach at Killinghall Nomads said:

“We are so proud of what Rachel’s achieved and it’s great to see the girls and boys looking to Rachel and taking inspiration from her. The lionesses have really inspired children both boys and girls here!”

Sports minister Stuart Andrew said the government wants to provide facilities to encourage future talent. He added:

“Last summer’s Women’s Euros was a major success for English sport, and it is only right that we dedicate 23 high-quality pitches like this one to the trophy-winning Lionesses.

“We want to make sure that people of all ages here in Harrogate have the chance to play football for decades to come, which is why we are investing over £300 million in grassroots sports facilities to inspire the next Rachel Daly.”

With the Killinghall Nomads’ under-eights girl’s team koala mascot.

GALLERY: Rachel Daly returns to Harrogate’s Rossett School

England footballer Rachel Daly returned to Rossett School in Harrogate today to rename a 3G sports pitch in her honour.

Rossett’s most famous former student brought the place to a standstill as pupils and teachers turned out to cheer her.

Headteacher Tim Milburn greeted the Aston Villa striker at 10am before she was whisked away to meet staff and tour the building.

When she re-emerged about half an hour later, pupils formed a guard of honour as she walked from the school buildings, accompanied by her dog Dexy, to the pitch.

When they got there, Rachel — wearing white trainers and clothes by her street fashion brand sponsor Hera — joked about how much Dexy loved the attention and thought it was for her.

Dexy was certainly a hit but Rachel, who was accompanied by her family, was the undoubted star on a rare return to the school she left in 2010.

After a short speech from Mr Milburn, Rachel removed a black blanket to reveal a sign for the newly named Rachel Daly 3G Pitch. Behind her, a group of girls played football on the pitch. She said:

“It’s an honour for me to be here and have this named after me.

“It’s great seeing the young girls out here today and having them on a pitch that’s named after me. It’s a feeling I don’t think I’ll ever get used to.”

Rachel, the current PFA Players’ Player of the Year, spoke about coming home with sand burns after playing on the old astroturf pitch and how Rossett and Harrogate held a “special place in my heart”.

Mr Milburn described Rachel, who started out at Killinghall Nomads Junior Football Club, as an inspiration not only for Rossett pupils but also for anyone who uses the sports facilities. He added:

“She’s not just a Rossett hero, or a Killinghall hero, she’s a town hero. Why wouldn’t we want to honour her?”

Although the school has been quick to honour Rachel, North Yorkshire Council has yet to indicate whether it will support a call from Killinghall Nomads, supported by the Stray Ferret, for Rachel to receive civic recognition.

The Conservative-controlled council said two months ago it was urgently considering a policy on how to recognise achievements by local people.

The Stray Ferret asked Cllr Simon Myers, whose portfolio oversees such matters, what progress had been made since then but has not received a response.

Here are some images from Rachel’s return to Rossett today.

Headteacher Tim Milburn welcomes Rachel Daly to the school.

Pupils form a guard of honour.

Dexy the dog was never far from Rachel’s side.

Rachel Daly, alongside the Rachel Daly 3G Pitch.

The Rossett Lioness and the sign she unveiled.

Current Rossett footballers look on as Rachel talks to her family.

With current footballers on the 3G pitch.

Dexy takes centre stage again.

Rachel Daly and Erling Haaland win player of year awards

Harrogate-born Rachel Daly was named PFA women’s Players’ Player of the Year last night.

The Aston Villa and England player was chosen from a shortlist of six at a ceremony at the Lowry Theatre in Salford. Chelsea’s Lauren James was named Young Player of the Year.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland took the men’s award at the same event. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka was named Young Player of the Year.

In a tweet last night, Daly said she was “feeling beyond grateful” to have won the award, which was voted for by her peers.

https://twitter.com/RachelDaly3/status/1696619128289644693?s=20

It is the latest success for the former Rossett School student, who in just over a year has won Euro 2022 with England, won the Golden Boot for being the Women’s Super League top scorer and played in the World Cup final.

Daly’s achievements have, however, been completely overlooked by North Yorkshire Council, which still has no plans for a civic honour.

The Stray Ferret is backing Killinghall Nomads‘ campaign for this to change. Daly started her career with the club. You can sign a petition supporting this here.

Rossett School, which has said it will rename its sports pitches in honour of its former pupil, has also joined calls for the council to recognise Daly.

Tears and pride for Killinghall Nomads at big screen showing

It wasn’t the result they wanted but the sense of pride in Rachel Daly remained undimmed at Killinghall Nomads’ big screen showing of the Women’s World Cup final today.

Hundreds of people involved with the club were at the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel in Harrogate to watch the match.

So were several national news crews, including ITV, which requested the coverage be switched from BBC in case former Nomads player Daly scored and the national channel cut to the joyful scenes.

The Stray Ferret, which is supporting the club’s petition for North Yorkshire Council to recognise Daly, was also there to sample the carnival atmosphere.

A young fan shows mad love for Rachel Daly.

Spain’s first half goal subdued the crowd and when Daly was taken off at half-time the mood fell flat.

Her substitution appeared to be for tactical reasons but it denied England the country’s leading goal scorer in a half in which they needed a goal.

The afternoon’s biggest cheer came when England goalkeeper Mary Earps saved a penalty.

The atmosphere went flat when Daly was taken off.

Huge excitement greeted every England attack, but this wasn’t to be the Lionesses’ day and the many young fans in the room experienced the sinking feeling familiar with older followers of England football teams over the last 50 years.

Despite it all, the club’s bond and love with Daly remained unshakeable. Everyone spoke of her with pride.

European Championships winner, Golden Boot winner, World Cup finalist… it’s a spectacular resume. She is also on the shortlist of six for PFA Player of the Year award.

Mary Beggs-Reid, the club’s media manager, organised the event.

People shook their heads in disbelief when asked what they thought of the fact she hadn’t received even the slightest recognition by Harrogate Borough Council or its successor North Yorkshire Council and said unprintable things.

One asked why there wasn’t a big screen on the Stray. Another said:

“It’s hardly surprising people lose faith with councils when they fail to do something so bleeding obvious.”

The club’s campaign continues. You can sign the petition here.

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.

Petition launched calling for Harrogate to honour Rachel Daly

A petition has been launched today calling for the council to honour Harrogate’s England Lioness, Rachel Daly.

Daly is part of the England team that will be taking on Spain in tomorrow’s Women’s World Cup final.

She has already won the European Championships and this season’s Golden Boot for being the Women’s Super League leading scorer — yet her achievements have been completely overlooked by the council.

Killinghall Nomads Junior Football Club yesterday called for that to change and has today launched a petition. It can be signed here.

The petition calls on North Yorkshire Council to recognise Daly’s achievements, preferably by renaming Harrogate Hydro, which is due to re-open next month, the Rachel Daly Leisure and Wellness Centre — and the Stray Ferret is backing the club’s call.

Daly has liked a post on the club’s Instagram account about the story. So has comedian Maisie Adam, who also hails from Harrogate.

Daly with Killinghall Nomads players when she visited in May.

North Yorkshire Council is keen to promote community fitness at its leisure centres and the Hydro is close to the Killinghall Nomads grounds where Daly started her career and hundreds of boys and girls get active each week.

Mary Beggs-Reid, the club’s media manager, said:

“We urge everyone to sign this petition as it’s high time the council recognised Rachel.”

If the petition attracts 500 signatures it will be discussed by the council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee.

Cllr Carl Les, the Conservative leader of North Yorkshire Council, said it sent best wishes to Daly and the other Lionesses, adding:

“Regarding any local honour for Rachel, as a new council we will consider a policy for how we might recognise the achievements of local people.”

To sign the petition, click here.

World Cup hero Rachel Daly in line for player of year award

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.

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.

Ladies’ Day to boost Harrogate footballer’s cancer treatment fund

Two back-to-back football matches will be played at Harrogate Railway this weekend as part of a day of fundraising.

Ladies’ Day will see the women’s reserves play at noon on Sunday, followed by the first team facing Farsley Celtic at 2pm.

Entry will be free for spectators, with a barbecue, raffle and refreshments all on offer as part of the entertainment.

First team coach Rich Burns told the Stray Ferret:

“it’s a celebration of ladies’ football in the club and the region. We’ve gone from one football team to four in the space of two years.

“I’ve been there for 15 years and we’ve only had one senior ladies’ team and various girls’ teams. Since the Euros, where the Lionesses were successful, now the World Cup and the WSL, there’s a real growth and demand for women’s football in the region.”

As well as first and reserve teams, Railway now has an under 18s ladies’ side, offering teenagers the chance to learn, or continue learning a sport they have enjoyed at school.

Rich said it offers a natural pathway into the adult teams too.

And it is for one of the first team players that the day has been organised.

Dee Swales played for the club for around five years, before moving to Farsley Celtic. She returned two years ago, but last year was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Rich said:

“She has been undergoing significant treatment and dealt with the first part really well, but she has unfortunately developed a secondary cancer.

“The NHS doesn’t fund the treatment she needs when it’s for secondary cancer, so you have to raise funds yourself.

“She has been dong loads of stuff and fundraising, but the club really wanted to show our support for this as well.”

Setting a target of £1,000, the club said any money raised that exceeds the amount Dee needs will be split between Macmillan and Cancer Research UK.

Harrogate Railway Football Club on Station View, Starbeck, will host the event

Dee is also planning to join in the fun on the day – though will have more reason than most to play it safe. Rich said:

“She’s a week away from being married. I think the biggest challenge is keeping her off the pitch, because [fiancee] Abi would absolutely kill us if she gets injured for the wedding!”

With women’s football much more popular than ever before, Harrogate Railway are hoping for a big crowd at the event on Sunday.

Rich added:

“Everyone’s aware of Rachel Daly and her ties to the region. She spent a small amount of time with Railway and when she came back from the US during the summers, she used to come to our training sessions.

“It has been really fantastic that the Lionesses have been offering discounted tickets to grassroots clubs.

“We’ve been able to support them a few times and we went to see them at Wembley.

“You don’t get the same level of animosity you can get at the men’s game and it does seem very family-friendly.

“Seeing 87,000 people in Wembley for a ladies’ game was fantastic – it was a celebration of football.”

‘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.”

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