Football star Lucy Bronze to be made Freewoman of Northumberland

The county council agreed to a motion on Wednesday to confer the title of Honorary Freewoman of the County of Northumberland on the Lioness star “in recognition of her services to football”.

Berwick-born Bronze, 33, currently plays for Women’s Super League side Chelsea and has made 127 appearances for England.

Council leader Glen Sanderson explained that the “great honour” would be bestowed upon Bronze at the same time as the council’s Local Heroes event, which takes place in the summer.

Labour leader Scott Dickinson backed the motion to honour Bronze. He said: “It is true to to recognise the contribution she has made across Northumberland.

“I visited Blyth Spartans the other week where there is some fantastic girls and young women’s teams, who were all inspired by the Lionesses. It’s a fantastic thing to celebrate and the whole Labour group are behind it – and everyone else should be.”

Bronze, who attended the Duchess’s Community High School in Alwnick, joined Alnwick Town as a youngster and played with the side up until she was 12.

However, FA rules prevented her from continuing with the boys’ team – despite the fact she was the best player on the team, picking up six player of the match awards from eight games.

After England’s victory at Euro 2022, a plaque honouring Bronze as part of the “Where Greatness Is Made” campaign was installed at the Alnwick Town ground.