Michelle Agyemang's youth team hails Lioness as girls' football enjoys boost
Roy Enright, 45, who manages the girls' team, said her legacy has led to a surge of new recruits.
He said: 'It's great for the girls to see someone like Michelle who's played at the same club, from the same area, and from her hard work made it to the highest level.
'When I set the girls' team up in 2022, I started with zero players.
'When Michelle was here, she even had to play on the boys' team.
'Now I've got a squad of 20 girls at my age group and that has all come from the Lionesses – especially their success at the last Euros.
'Given that Michelle is from the area, played for the club, and is doing so well, we're getting even more girls joining up.
'That's the legacy she has left for us.'
Terry Tisdall, 40, who manages the boys' under-11s, said: 'The girls are so proud of her – she's the star of the show.
'They used to wear shirts with men's players' names on and now they've all got Agyemang on the back.'
Agyemang left Brandon Groves for Arsenal's academy when she was around 10 years old before becoming one of the most highly rated youngsters at the Gunners.
She recently invited the Brandon Groves players to St George's Park, the home of the England team, so they could watch the Lionesses train.
Mr Enright said: 'It meant the world to them – it just goes to show how Michelle cares.
'She was fantastic – she took the time out to speak to all the girls, take selfies and sign autographs.'
Agyemang has become one of the Lionesses' stand-out players this summer after netting in the quarter-final and semi-final.
England's Michelle Agyemang (centre) and team-mates celebrate after the Women's Euro 2025 semi-final at the Stade de Geneve, Switzerland (Nick Potts/PA)
Mr Enright, who works as a tech consultant, said: 'The impact is fantastic – there's so much excitement with the girls.'
Mr Tisdall added: 'The WhatsApp group chat was going crazy when she scored those goals.'
Agyemang, who only made her senior England debut in April, is now expected to feature in Sunday's final against Spain in Basel.
And the girls from Brandon Groves will be watching the final together at a local social club.
Mr Enright said: 'Everyone's so excited – we're all behind Michelle and it's going to be a fantastic day.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leader Live
25 minutes ago
- Leader Live
England fans watch on nervously as Lionesses fall behind in final
Fans draped in England flags joined the Prince of Wales and his daughter Princess Charlotte in holding their heads in their hands as Mariona Caldentey put Spain 1-0 up in the final on Sunday. William and Charlotte were pictured in Switzerland for the Euros final as the royal family led the nation in wishing good luck to England's Lionesses. Shortly before kick-off, an image of the pair was posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales's X account with the caption 'let's go, Lionesses'. Let's go, @Lionesses! 🏴 — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 27, 2025 As Caldentey's header found the net in the 25th minute, William and Charlotte were pictured with their heads in their hands and crowds in fanzones across England fell silent as they watched proceedings. Before kick-off, supporters waved England flags and loudly sang the national anthem at Boxpark Croydon and star striker Michelle Agyemang's former team, Brandon Groves Community Club in Essex. Agyemang, 19, who had one England cap before the tournament, scored crucial equalisers in the Lionesses' quarter-final and semi-final comebacks. Ahead of the game, 11-year-old Violet Ingram, a left winger for Brandon Grove Emeralds, said: 'Seeing her (Agyemang) and the team just makes me feel like I can do anything I want to do.' The Prince of Wales, who is patron of the Football Association (FA), applauded the national anthem as he stood next to Charlotte in the stadium. In a show of support ahead of the final, the Band of the Grenadier Guards performed Three Lions on the Buckingham Palace forecourt, while the royal family's official X account posted: 'Wishing the very best of luck to the @Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening.' William posted a good luck message on Saturday which read: 'Good luck to the Lionesses tomorrow. Let's go girls!! 💪🦁⚽️ Wishing the very best of luck to the @Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening. — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 27, 2025 'The nation is so proud you are through to the final, after some stunning comebacks! We are all cheering you on! W.' After England beat Italy 2-1 in the semi-final in Geneva on Tuesday evening, the King and Queen wished the team their 'warmest congratulations'. Charles said: 'Knowing the Lionesses' fighting spirit, I suspect we are in for another thrilling encounter on Sunday. 'Your achievements continue to inspire countless girls and women across the nation, proving once again that with dedication and teamwork, anything is possible. 'Good luck, England. May you roar to victory once more. Charles R.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: 'Into the final and inspiring the nation. Let's bring it home.' He said the team had 'changed the game – breaking barriers, making history and inspiring the next generation.' 'Tonight, the whole nation will be behind them. Come on England!' Sir Keir said. The @Lionesses have changed the game — breaking barriers, making history and inspiring the next generation. Tonight, the whole nation will be behind them. Come on England! — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 27, 2025 Meanwhile, cricketer Joe Root wished the Lionesses' the 'very best of luck' in an online message, adding: 'It's been great to watch you play throughout the tournament.' Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson said the team has 'absolutely smashed it', adding that 'everybody is so proud of you'. Meanwhile, BBC Sport and ITV have secured the broadcasting rights for the Women's World Cup 2027, meaning the tournament will remain free-to-air for UK viewers. England's path to the final has been marked by late drama. They sealed their spot with a last-gasp extra-time win over Italy, following a penalty shootout victory against Sweden in the quarter-finals after nearly crashing out in extra time. The Lionesses will be looking for redemption against Spain, who edged them 1-0 in the 2023 Women's World Cup final. England boss Sarina Wiegman said the team is 'going to do everything we can to win it' and she would prefer to avoid a 'nerve-wracking' match.
North Wales Chronicle
25 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
England fans watch on nervously as Lionesses fall behind in final
Fans draped in England flags joined the Prince of Wales and his daughter Princess Charlotte in holding their heads in their hands as Mariona Caldentey put Spain 1-0 up in the final on Sunday. William and Charlotte were pictured in Switzerland for the Euros final as the royal family led the nation in wishing good luck to England's Lionesses. Shortly before kick-off, an image of the pair was posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales's X account with the caption 'let's go, Lionesses'. Let's go, @Lionesses! 🏴 — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 27, 2025 As Caldentey's header found the net in the 25th minute, William and Charlotte were pictured with their heads in their hands and crowds in fanzones across England fell silent as they watched proceedings. Before kick-off, supporters waved England flags and loudly sang the national anthem at Boxpark Croydon and star striker Michelle Agyemang's former team, Brandon Groves Community Club in Essex. Agyemang, 19, who had one England cap before the tournament, scored crucial equalisers in the Lionesses' quarter-final and semi-final comebacks. Ahead of the game, 11-year-old Violet Ingram, a left winger for Brandon Grove Emeralds, said: 'Seeing her (Agyemang) and the team just makes me feel like I can do anything I want to do.' The Prince of Wales, who is patron of the Football Association (FA), applauded the national anthem as he stood next to Charlotte in the stadium. In a show of support ahead of the final, the Band of the Grenadier Guards performed Three Lions on the Buckingham Palace forecourt, while the royal family's official X account posted: 'Wishing the very best of luck to the @Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening.' William posted a good luck message on Saturday which read: 'Good luck to the Lionesses tomorrow. Let's go girls!! 💪🦁⚽️ Wishing the very best of luck to the @Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening. — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 27, 2025 'The nation is so proud you are through to the final, after some stunning comebacks! We are all cheering you on! W.' After England beat Italy 2-1 in the semi-final in Geneva on Tuesday evening, the King and Queen wished the team their 'warmest congratulations'. Charles said: 'Knowing the Lionesses' fighting spirit, I suspect we are in for another thrilling encounter on Sunday. 'Your achievements continue to inspire countless girls and women across the nation, proving once again that with dedication and teamwork, anything is possible. 'Good luck, England. May you roar to victory once more. Charles R.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: 'Into the final and inspiring the nation. Let's bring it home.' He said the team had 'changed the game – breaking barriers, making history and inspiring the next generation.' 'Tonight, the whole nation will be behind them. Come on England!' Sir Keir said. The @Lionesses have changed the game — breaking barriers, making history and inspiring the next generation. Tonight, the whole nation will be behind them. Come on England! — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 27, 2025 Meanwhile, cricketer Joe Root wished the Lionesses' the 'very best of luck' in an online message, adding: 'It's been great to watch you play throughout the tournament.' Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson said the team has 'absolutely smashed it', adding that 'everybody is so proud of you'. Meanwhile, BBC Sport and ITV have secured the broadcasting rights for the Women's World Cup 2027, meaning the tournament will remain free-to-air for UK viewers. England's path to the final has been marked by late drama. They sealed their spot with a last-gasp extra-time win over Italy, following a penalty shootout victory against Sweden in the quarter-finals after nearly crashing out in extra time. The Lionesses will be looking for redemption against Spain, who edged them 1-0 in the 2023 Women's World Cup final. England boss Sarina Wiegman said the team is 'going to do everything we can to win it' and she would prefer to avoid a 'nerve-wracking' match.
Metro
25 minutes ago
- Metro
Ian Wright slams Sarina Wiegman for 'massive mistake' in Women's Euros final
Ian Wright was baffled by a Sarina Wiegman decision ahead of the final of the Women's Euros between England and Spain, confused as to why she gambled on an unfit Lauren James on the left wing. James came into Sunday's showpiece with an ankle injury and did not even make it to half time in Basel. She was substituted after 40 minutes, replaced by Chloe Kelly, after a disappointing performance as the Lionesses struggled to deal with the favourites. Wright felt it was too much of a gamble for Wiegman to pick James from the start, while he was also surprised by where she was played. Often on the right flank, the Arsenal legend had called for James to be deployed down the middle, but couldn't work out why she was played on the left, with defensive responsibilities that were very difficult to fulfil while not at full fitness. 'Massive risk,' Wright said on ITV of James' selection. 'I think she's wasted a sub there. 'She's obviously not right and not only that, she's put her on the other side. I said she should have been in the centre, not on the left side! 'Having to chase back Ona Batlle and chase back Aitana Bonmati when you're half fit. I think that's a massive mistake.' England were already 1-0 down when James limped out of the game, with Mariona Caldentey heading in Spain's opener after 25 minutes. More Trending The goal did come down Spain's right flank, with Batlle providing the assist. Things improved for England in the second half, though, and James' replacement helped conjure up an equaliser after 57 minutes. Kelly whipped in an excellent, in-swinging cross from the left which was expertly headed home by Alessia Russo and it was game on again. The game continues… MORE: Inside England captain Leah Williamson's relationship with former Miss USA winner MORE: How much do women footballers get paid? England player salaries revealed MORE: Meet Sarina Wiegman's husband Marten Glotzbach cheering her on in Women's Euros Final
