Mary Phillip: Pioneering Footballer and Manager Aims to Light Up Peckham Town FC

courtesy of thesun.co.uk

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A Trailblazer in Women’s Football

Mary Phillip has long been a name synonymous with breaking barriers in football. The former Lioness and Arsenal centre-back has made history as the first Black player to captain a senior Lionesses team, and now she’s aiming to shine a light on her local club.

Peckham Town FC’s Ambitious Goal

As the manager of Peckham Town FC since 2019, Phillip is determined to secure floodlights for the Dulwich Common pitch. The installation of these lights is crucial for the club’s promotion aspirations, as they have faced restrictions for eight years due to the lack of suitable lighting facilities.

Community Impact and Future Aspirations

Phillip believes that having floodlights would not only benefit the club but also the wider community. “Putting floodlights up at the common would be fantastic for the club,” she expressed. “If we can get permission to do that and finish in the top five of our league, that would be amazing.”

Historic Achievements in Women’s Football

In 2019, Phillip made headlines as the first female manager to lead a men’s side to cup success in England, clinching the London FA Senior Cup with Peckham Town. Her playing career was equally impressive, featuring 135 appearances for Arsenal and helping them to become the first English team to win a Women’s Champions League trophy in 2007.

Inspiration for Future Generations

Mary Phillip’s legacy is not just about her own achievements; it’s about paving the way for future generations. She hopes her granddaughter will see her grandmother as a role model in football, inspiring her to pursue her own dreams in the sport.

Advocating for Diversity and Inclusion

Phillip’s induction into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame coincided with the Government’s relaunch of the Football Governance Bill, which aims to improve transparency regarding equality and diversity in football. Phillip is optimistic that this will lead to more women securing coaching roles and advancing their careers in the sport.

A Call for Broader Representation

Reflecting on her playing days, Phillip noted the diversity within the England squad back in 1995, highlighting the need for more players from minority ethnic backgrounds to break into the Lionesses side. “Unless you get more homegrown players from minority ethnic backgrounds coming through, you are not going to see that representation,” she stated.

Mary Phillip: A Driving Force for Change

With her sights set on improving facilities for Peckham Town FC and advocating for greater diversity in football, Mary Phillip continues to be a driving force for change in the sport. Her journey is a testament to the progress being made and the work that still lies ahead.