England winger Lauren Hemp hopes the achievements of the Lionesses at Euro 2022 this summer time marks solely the beginning of the journey in direction of elevated participation in ladies’s soccer.
Hemp delivered the nook that was turned residence by Chloe Kelly within the remaining towards Germany because the Lionesses wrote themselves into English soccer historical past with a 2-1 further time victory.
And the Manchester Metropolis star, who was awarded the liberty of residence city North Walsham for her heroics, hopes her facet’s success will go away a long-lasting legacy.
“We went into the event eager to encourage a nation and get individuals watching ladies’s soccer. That’s what we’ve completed,” the 21-year-old informed Sky Sports activities.
“We’ve damaged file attendances and there was so many individuals watching the ladies’s recreation. That’s what we wished to realize.
“It’s solely the beginning of a journey the place we wish to hold rising participation in ladies’s soccer and ensure we get individuals concerned.”
Tons of gathered as Hemp, who Lionesses legend Karen Carney has typically stated retired her in 2019, was honoured again residence in Norfolk. Now, she is eager to behave as an inspiration for the subsequent era.
“It’s been fairly loopy, simply to stroll out by the city clock and see so many individuals there supporting,” she added. “It was years in the past I used to be strolling by means of these streets as a younger lady with a dream of eager to play soccer and win trophies for my nation. My dream got here true and I hope to encourage so many younger ladies and boys to take up soccer.”
