Sue Lopez’s contribution to women’s football has been immense; as a footballer, coach and manager over a career spanning five decades.
She was the first Englishwoman to play semi-professional football as an overseas player in Italy in 1971. She returned home to help establish the first ever officially sanctioned England women’s team and played a major role in organising the first England women’s international to be played on a Football League ground, following the removal of a ban dating back to 1921. Over a period of seven years Lopez won 22 caps.
As a club player for Southampton during the 1970’s she played in 10 Women’s FA Cup Finals.
Following her retirement as a player in 1985 Lopez became only the second woman to gain the FA Advanced Licence coaching qualification. In 1999 she was named Sunday Times Female Coach of the year and in 2000 became an MBE.
Sue is truly a pioneer of the women’s modern game and remains dedicated to improving the profile of women’s football.