The Women's Super League Hall of Fame (WSL Hall of Fame) honours the leading association football players and coaches that have played or managed in the Women's Super League (previously known as the FA WSL; FA Women's Super League), the top level of the English football league system. Inaugurated in 2021, the Hall of Fame, was launched to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the league following its inception in April 2011.[1][2][3] It is intended to recognise and honour players and individuals that who have contributed to the growth of the women's game in England and the WSL since its founding.
| Established | 2021 |
|---|---|
| Type | Professional sports hall of fame |
| President | Kelly Simmons |
| Website | Official website |
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In September 2021, as part of the inaugural class of 2021, three players were inducted; Fara Williams, Rachel Yankey, Kelly Smith and one manager, Emma Hayes. The next year, a further three players were inducted.
Eligibility requirements
editThose eligible for induction into the FA WSL Hall of Fame, include retired players, both active and retired coaches and active or retired match officials. The one thing they must all have "in common, is the positive impact and legacy" they have left on the league since the inception of the FA WSL in 2011.[1] Their selected is only judged on their domestic performances in the FA WSL with no other competitions considered.
To assist the selection panel in selecting their inductee nominations, the following standards have been established:[4]
- Players - Players must have participated in the Women's Super League (WSL) for at least three years and have made a major contribution to the league, whether as a champion, a team leader, or an exceptional individual player (or via her individual performances / individual accolades).
- Coaches - Coaches must have won a league championship or coached in the league for at least three years. The individual must have had a huge impact on the league, whether it was through winning the competition or nurturing new talent (youth development).
- Officials - Officials must have contributed significantly to the league during their tenure as officials and to have upheld a high standard of refereeing to support the Women's Super League's standards, integrity, and professionalism.
Inductees
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| Year | Player | Pos. | Years | Clubs | Achievements | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 |  Fara Williams
|
MF | 2011–2021 | Everton Liverpool Arsenal |
2× Champion | [5][6] |
| Rachel Yankey
|
FW | 2011–2017 | Arsenal Notts County Ladies |
2× Champion | [5] | |
| Kelly Smith
|
MF | 2012–2017 | Arsenal | [7] | ||
| Emma Hayes
|
Manager | 2012–2024 | Chelsea | 7× Champion 6× Manager of the Season |
[8] | |
| 2022 | Karen Carney
|
MF | 2011–2019 | Birmingham City Chelsea |
1× Golden Boot | [9] |
| Katie Chapman
|
MF | 2011–2018 | Arsenal Chelsea |
4× Champion | [9] | |
| Eniola Aluko
|
FW | 2012–2018 | Birmingham City Chelsea |
3× Champion 1× Golden Boot |
[9] | |
| 2023 | Jill Scott
|
MF | 2011–2022 | Everton Manchester City Aston Villa |
1× Champion | [10] |
| Ellen White
|
FW | 2011–2022 | Arsenal Notts County Ladies Birmingham City Manchester City |
2× Champion 1× Golden Boot |
[10] | |
| Anita Asante
|
DF | 2018–2022 | Chelsea Aston Villa |
[10] |
Players by nationality
edit- As of November 2023 award
| Nationality | Players |
|---|---|
| England
|
10 |
References
edit- ^ a b "About the Hall of Fame". FA WSL Hall of Fame. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
- ^ "Rachel Yankey inducted into WSL Hall of Fame to mark 10-year anniversary of the league". Sky Sports. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
- ^ "WSL: Football Association to launch Hall of Fame to mark 10-year anniversary". Sky Sports. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
- ^ "Hall Of Fame FAQs". WSL Hall of Fame. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
- ^ a b Whitehead, Jacob; Percival, Holly (6 October 2021). "WSL Hall of Fame: Fara Williams and Rachel Yankey named as first inductees". The Athletic. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
- ^ "WSL: Fara Williams becomes first player inducted into Hall of Fame to mark 10-year anniversary of Women's Super League". Sky Sports. 3 November 2021. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
- ^ Whitehead, Jacob; Percival, Holly (7 October 2021). "Emma Hayes and Kelly Smith inducted into WSL Hall of Fame". The Athletic. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
- ^ "WSL: Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes becomes fourth inductee into Hall of Fame". Sky Sports. 3 November 2021. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
- ^ a b c "Karen Carney, Eni Aluko, Katie Chapman are latest Women's Super League Hall of Fame inductees". Sky Sports. 27 October 2022. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
- ^ a b c "WSL Hall of Fame: Jill Scott, Ellen White and Anita Asante named as 2023 inductees". BBC Sport. 13 November 2023. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
General
- "Hall of Fame Inductees". Women's Super League. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
Specific