Patricia Gregory MBE is to be inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame next month in recognition of her outstanding contribution to women’s football in England.
“How exciting that someone who had an undistinguished playing career can be recognised for efforts which helped enable others to reach their playing potential,” Gregory said on learning the news. “I am delighted to be joining such a prestigious football gathering. How exciting that someone who had an undistinguished playing career can be recognised for efforts which helped enable others to reach their playing potential.”
Gregory was a co-founder of the Women’s Football Association (WFA) in 1969. The WFA was the organisation set up to run the game at a national level following the English Football Association’s 50-year ban of the women’s game. She played an integral role in its re-establishment, including the organisation of England international matches and the development of structured leagues for women and girls. This eventually led to the game moving back under the umbrella of the FA in 1993.
Since then, Gregory has continued her advocacy for the sport and she was awarded an MBE in 2024. Her Hall of Fame induction will take place during a special live watchalong event at the National Football Museum on 9 July for England’s Euro 2025 game against the Netherlands.
“Patricia Gregory’s influence on women’s football in this country cannot be overstated,” the National Football Museum’s Chief Executive Tim Desmond said. “She helped build the structure for a game that was ignored, marginalised, and banned for decades — and she did it with tireless resolve and dignity. The Hall of Fame exists to honour figures like Patricia whose work has transformed football not just for players and fans today, but for generations to come. We are honoured to welcome her into our Hall of Fame.”
For more information about the National Football Museum and their summer of women’s football activity, you can visit their website here: www.nationalfootballmuseum.com.
The National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame nomination window is also now open to the general public, so to play your part in recognising the next Hall of Fame inductee, submit your person here: https://nationalfootballmuseum.com/hall-of-fame/
