It is the most amazing achievement for England to become Champions of Europe. The Lionesses are an inspiration to everyone and have shown that through teamwork, ability and hard work, anything is possible.
Like many others, I never thought I would be able to say that England have won a major football tournament in my lifetime.
I am so proud that Milton Keynes hosted four matches and played our part in the greatest achievement in English football since 1966, including attracting a full house at Stadium:MK for the second semi-final. It was brilliant to welcome thousands of football fans from across Europe to Milton Keynes, and there was a real buzz across the city – with lots of that buzz being felt by our local businesses. The city centre also transformed into a fan party complete with local vendors, music and entertainment.
I’d like to thank all the teams and supporters that made the matches, and the whole experience, so special. Yet again, we as a city had the vision and confidence to back the tournament when others did not.
I hope the win will have a lasting impact on women’s sport and I’m sure it has both inspired a new generation of women and girls to go out and take part in whatever their chosen sport is, as well as changing the attitude of many others to women’s sport in general.
I also hope that the Lionesses’ victory will help raise the profile of Milton Keynes, as the captain of the winning team was born and raised in Newport Pagnell. We are immensely proud of Leah Williamson, who joins Bobby Moore as one of only two England football captains ever to lift a major international trophy. We are also proud of the fact she’s from our city. Leah’s colossal achievement will no doubt lead people to discover her background, and the amazing city of Milton Keynes. In turn, our local businesses can expect to reap the benefits with heightened exposure and more visitors.
Currently, the council is in the process of bestowing the very first Freedom of the new city of Milton Keynes on Leah. It’s only fitting given that Leah is the first woman to lead a national side to international honours, and she’s from MK! I’m sure that we will find other ways to both mark the achievement and create a lasting economic and social legacy for the city.
Find out more at Milton Keynes Council.
