BBC News, Yorkshire
RootsEngland defender Esme Morgan has said that the friendship she made while playing junior football in Sheffield took her “through her international career”.
Morgan, now 24, played in a boy’s team for ecclesal rangers in the sheffield and district Sunday league, until she was 15.
He said that the lioness’s ceremony in London was “real” in London on Tuesday after winning the Euro 2025 on Sunday.
He said that the team is “so proud” on the old women who have made it possible for the current squad to represent their country and play professionally.
The effigy of former High Struous School thanked her childhood coach Martin Windle when she taught her when she used to play for Ecclesl Rangers.
“I love Martin with Bits,” she said.
“He did such incredible things for me and all the young children that he had coached because he only loved this infectious enthusiasm, passion, football, and he spread it to all of us.”
He said “as the only girl in the team,” it would be easy for the club to dismiss her or behave separately with her, but “Martin welcomed me with just open hands”.
“They always encouraged me and simply spread their love for me for the game and it really took me.”
Many of the boys he played in ecclesal Rangers have been in touch to say how proud he was and the girls had to “enjoy it” to play football.
“I have all done all this. Ecclesl Rangers were my team and they were my companions.
“Everyone’s journey is different but as long as you are enjoying playing, he is going to set such a long way.
“Keep listening to your coaches and follow your love for the game and eventually opportunities will come together and you just have to take them where you can.
“But for the most part, follow your love for football and enjoy playing.
“Because if nothing else, it brings you incredible friendship.”
Morgan joined the academy of Manchester City as a teenager and now plays his club football in the US.
He said: “I have to tolerate friendship for a lifetime and this is the most special part of it.”
