Lionesses recognised in New Year Honours

Lionesses defender Millie Bright has been awarded an OBE, while goalkeeper Mary Earps and attacker Lauren Hemp both receive an MBE.

There is also an MBE for services to football for the FA’s director of tournaments and events Chris Bryant, who led the delivery of England’s hosting of UEFA EURO 2022 and the subsequent UEFA EURO 2028 bid success alongside our fellow UK nations and Ireland.

England’s record cap holder Peter Shilton has also been recognised, receiving a CBE for services to football and the prevention of gambling harm.

“I just want to say how honoured and grateful I am to have been given this honour,” said Bright, who captained the Lionesses at last summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup as they made history by reaching their first ever World Cup Final.

“It’s a moment I will treasure with my loved ones forever. I feel extremely lucky, as many people could be in my position right now. 

“It’s amazing to be recognised for my work in a sport that I love and adore and do everything in my power to be successful at, but also to grow the game for the next generation. 

“I want to dedicate this honour to my family for all their sacrifices, that allow me to be where I am today, but also to my coaches and team mates. 

“Congratulations to my team mates on your Honours too, I am incredibly proud of you.”

And an MBE is the latest recognition for Earps, who was voted as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2023 earlier in December having also been named as FIFA’s Best women’s goalkeeper in February.

Grassroots and professional football was also recognised elsewhere in the list.

Former caretaker England boss Howard Wilkinson, who had a hugely successful managerial career at clubs such as Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United and is now League Managers Association chair, was awarded an OBE for services to football and charity.

There was also an OBE for equality for women in sport in the UK and abroad for Janie Frampton, the former referee who worked for decades on the advancement of refereeing and is now the vice president for the International Federation For Sports Officials.

There were MBEs for Kick It Out chair Dr Sanjay Bhandari for services to sport and the organisation's head of player engagement, Troy Townsend, for services to diversity and inclusion in association football. There were also MBEs for Brighton & Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom for services to football and to the community in Brighton and Arsenal CEO Vinaichandra Venkatesham for services to sport. 

British Empire Medals (BEM) were received by Nottinghamshire CFA vice president Graham Hall for services to young people and sport, Leicestershire Foxes Sunday League fixtures secretary Henry Lillystone for services to youth football, Orpington manager and coach Janet Gloin for services to football and Brentford FC’s community sports trust CEO Lee Doyle for services to sport.

Referee Sam Allison was another to be recognised as he received the King's Fire Service Medal (KFSM) in the New Year Honours list.

Allison, who on Boxing Day became the first black Premier League referee for 15 years, is a station manager with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and was given the KFSM for his drive and passion in promoting greater inclusivity across the region, including his significant efforts working with the harder to reach communities.