Para Lionesses discuss England’s newly launched kit

“I always remember Steve Daley telling us: ‘remember who had the shirt before you and leave the shirt in a better place’.”

Inspiring words from England’s national para talent manager retold by Para Lionesses international Sam Gough of the women’s blind team.

Earlier today, the new England kit was unveiled with the strips to worn by the women’s senior, development and para teams and for Gough, it represents a mark of inclusivity and accessibility.

“I was excluded from sport because of my visual impairment and I’m an advocate now to make sure that sport is inclusive,” said Gough. “Just because I’m a girl and just because I’m blind doesn’t mean I can’t play football.

“For all of us to be able to wear the same kit, it just makes us all equal. We all play for England and it’s one big family.

“Each time we get new kit, we have that moment that’s like, ‘wow, we play for England’.

“I think the kit is incredible. It’s really tactile and there are different fabrics as well. So much thought has gone into the kit and the detail that has been put into it is just incredible.”

Both the home and away strips are set for release ahead of a highly anticipated summer which sees England’s women’s deaf team compete at the 2025 World Deaf Futsal Championship, aspiring to build on a bronze place finish last time out in 2023.

Maisie O’Shea, who won last year’s Deaf Sports Personality of the Year, was named in Steve Daley’s squad for the tournament where the kit will make its debut for the para squad.

“I particularly like the away kit,” commented O’Shea. “The home kit is really nice as well. I think it captures the colours of the nation really well.

“Wearing an England shirt is an amazing feeling. It’s not often that you get to say you can do that. In a major tournament on a big stage, to be able to wear that shirt gives you a great sense of pride. I’m ready for it to be around the corner and I’m ready to put on the kit.”

And her thoughts were emulated by England women’s deaf international Zara Musker, who was also included in the 12-player squad for the tournament which takes place in June.

“It’s just about taking that opportunity to represent my country, not just for me but for everyone else that’s on that journey with me, especially all the young girls and boys that hopefully one day look up to me and take my shirt and go on to win many more medals,” said Musker.

“Putting on an England shirt and walking out and representing your country, you can’t really put it into words. Even just from my point of view of walking the team out and being the captain, it’s something that sticks with you forever.

“I’ve been through a lot in my life and putting on the shirt takes away all those troubles and all those worries. I try and give my kits to people that are special to me – people that have been on my journey with me and I try – give them something back.” 

Lucindha Lawson will also be part of the team heading out to Italy and, like her team-mates, the thought of lifting a trophy in the new kit is one to relish.

“When I saw the new kit, especially the away kit, I loved the colour,” explained Lawson. “It’s made me very excited to put the new kit on. I think to have that mentality of achieving gives me that vibe that I want to win.”

“To wear an England shirt, it gives me goosebumps. To represent the Three Lions is amazing. Putting on that England kit, the same as every other team, shows that we’re united and proud to be English.”