The National Football Museum is proud to announce the induction of Lionesses legend Jill Scott into the prestigious English Hall of Fame. The announcement comes during the England Women’s international break, adding to the excitement and celebration of Jill Scott’s remarkable career.
The induction took place at the museum, where Jill was honoured for her incredible career, impact on the game, and her invaluable contributions to women’s football in the UK on and off the pitch, which have been nothing short of remarkable.
Upon induction, Jill said: “It’s such a massive honour. I was here on opening day with Rachel Brown-Finnis at the museum, so to see how much the museum has grown, and then to get inducted into the Hall of Fame and see how far the women’s game has grown… I feel so fortunate that I’ve had the chance to live this journey in women’s football.
“When I look at some of the names that are in there – Rachel Yankey, Kelly Smith, Karen Carney – they are all fantastic football players, but also fantastic people, so to have my name alongside them is something very special. It’s something I can show the family and hopefully they will be very proud.”
Jill Scott has generously donated an item from her personal collection to the National Football Museum’s Football Heritage Collection – her England cap from the match against Czech Republic on the 12th November 2019, where England won the international friendly at the Stadion Strelecky Ostrov 3-2. This will be on display at the museum from Friday 1 December.
Throughout her illustrious career, Jill Scott has left an indelible mark on women’s football in England and beyond. The combative midfielder was a winner at club and international level, winning the WSL with Manchester City in 2016 as well as a hat-trick of Women’s FA Cup titles.
Jill enjoyed a glittering international career, winning 161 caps for her country, making her England’s second most capped player of all time. She played a pivotal role in the country’s history-making UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 campaign, helping the Lionesses over the line in her final professional appearance.
Giving back to the sport she loves and in turn having a deeper impact on the community, Jill established the Jill Scott Academy, a programme designed to provide opportunities and mentorship for young aspiring footballers. Jill has also been an active participant in Soccer Aid, becoming the first female captain in the history of the event. It’s not only honourable to be heavily involved in such an event, but another sign of recognition and progression within the women’s game.
The induction of Jill Scott into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame is a testament to her enduring legacy and the mark she has left on the sport. Her story serves as an inspiration to countless young women across the country, proving that dreams can be achieved through hard work, passion and unwavering dedication.
Tim Desmond, CEO of the National Football Museum, said: “Jill Scott’s induction into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame is a momentous occasion. Her career achievements, her profound impression on women’s football, and her remarkable influence on a whole generation of young women make her an exceptional inductee.
“We’ve seen here first-hand at the museum the impact the Lionesses’ 2022 European victory has had, and Jill was as big a part of that as anyone. We had an incredible response from visitors to the Crossing The Line: The Story of Women’s Football exhibition, which encapsulated the spirit and ongoing impact of that 2022 WEURO win.
“Jill Scott is more than a footballer; she’s a shining example to young girls on just what can be achieved in football. We are extremely proud to welcome her to our Hall of Fame and celebrate her legacy.”
Read Jill Scott’s National Football Museum Hall of Fame profile here.