Arsenal and Lionesses defender Leah Williamson went down to Newport Pagnell FC to unveil the first pitch named after her which has been awarded a grant as part of the Lionesses Futures Fund (‘LFF’).

The LFF is a £30million cash injection from the Government and the FA delivered by the Football Foundation to recognise the trailblazing success of the Lionesses at the 2022  Women’s European Championship and 2023 Women’s World Cup.

During her time at Newport Pagnell, Leah spoke to the girls teams at the club and was then kitted out in a hard hat and hi-vis jacket in order to lay the penalty spot and mark the official opening of the pitch.

We spent time with Leah to discuss how much the new pitch meant to her.

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SAB: Congratulations on having a new legacy pitch named after you! What impact do you think the new pitch will have on the local community?

Leah Williamson: It’s a space for girls. The interest is there from the girls. We know it is and then now they have a place to come and play.

Hopefully, one day, I hope there is as many girls’ teams as boys teams at this football club.

SAB: Talking of inspiring young girls, what are the best three tips you’d give to girls trying to come up through the game?

Williamson: If you wanna be a footballer, play as much as you can. I didn’t play as much as I could have when I was younger.

Also, listen to criticism before praise. Or maybe, not before but don’t dismiss it – it’s the best thing. If someone is criticising you, they care about you.

Enjoy it. I still enjoy it now. That’s the only reason I play football. Not for any other reason. Always find the love in the game.

SAB: Now you’ve got your own pitch – if you could have a kick about with anyone in the world, who would you choose?

Williamson:  Anyone in the world? Former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry, I think. I’m not sure what I could contribute to that kick about but I’d probably just stand and watch.

Photo credit: The Football Foundation