Statue of the first unofficial Lioness, Lily Parr to be unveiled ahead of England’s Lionesses’ bid for glory this summer
Revealed 9th May 2019: Nearly 100 years after the first women’s football match between players from across England and France, the UK will see the first ever statue of a female footballer, in honour of women’s football trailblazer Lily Parr.
The life-size bronze statue, created by sculptor Hannah Stewart, was commissioned by Mars to inspire the England Lionesses ahead of this summer’s tournament and will be unveiled next month at the National Football Museum.
Lily Parr, an outside left winger who scored over 980 goals in her 32-year career, was reputed to possess one of the most powerful shots in football, and had the ability to score goals from extraordinary angles with a left foot cross drive with immense skill and power.
Starting her career at Dick, Kerr Ladies FC as a full-back 100 years ago aged just 14, Lily moved to the left wing in 1921 and scored an impressive 108 goals in her first year in this position. Her steely determination to be the best footballer worldwide saw her spend hours on her own perfecting the technique of her almighty power kick, as many other legendary kickers have gone on to do.
Gemma Buggins, Mars Brand Director, said:
Lily Parr was the heroine of her time in the sporting world. It’s an honour to be able to recognise her and commemorate the inspirational woman that she was.
With England’s Lionesses preparing for this summer’s tournament, we hope the unveiling of the first ever female footballer statue spurs them on and gives them the motivation to go all the way!”
Marzena Bogdanowicz, Head of Commercial and Marketing, Women’s Football at The FA said:
Women’s football is in a very strong place today with the England team helping us to drive participation and interest at every level. We have come a long way since Lily Parr’s days and she deserves recognition as a true pioneer of the sport.
Lily Parr was the first woman to enter the Football Hall of Fame, an iconic achievement in itself, so it’s only fitting that she takes her place alongside other football legends and becomes the first woman to be celebrated with a statue in her honour.”
Mars is a client of ESA Member, Octagon.
For further details, please contact:
Chris.Sobczynski, New Business and Marketing Director