Honoring a Developing Legacy: The WSL Hall of Fame Induction
How can one commemorate a league that is still in its early years? What does it mean to document the history of a sport that has traversed a fragmented timeline? These questions arose on Monday night as Alex Scott, Gilly Flaherty, Steph Houghton, and Rebecca Welch were welcomed into the Women’s Super League Hall of Fame as its fourth inductee group.
A Celebration of Progress
Established in 2021 to celebrate the WSL’s 10th anniversary, the Hall of Fame is seen as “the highest individual accolade” within the league, honoring players, coaches, and referees alike.
Understanding the Hall of Fame Concept
To an English audience, the notion of a ‘Hall of Fame’ may seem unfamiliar. Unlike the contentious debates that surround American sports’ versions, which often revolve around who merits inclusion, the English iteration resembles a courteous rite of passage. For instance, the Premier League introduced its own version in 2020, emphasizing specific criteria such as appearance counts or milestone achievements like scoring over 100 goals.
Criteria for Inclusion in the WSL Hall of Fame
Contrastingly, the WSL’s criteria are less defined, focusing on a player’s or coach’s tenure in the league—requiring a minimum of three years—along with a “positive impact and legacy.” Interestingly, this Hall of Fame diverges from traditional formats by allowing current players and coaches to be recognized, as exemplified by Emma Hayes’ induction in 2021 while still managing Chelsea.
The Complexity of Memorializing the Past
It feels peculiar to have a Hall of Fame for a league that began in 2011, especially when including active players or those who have only recently retired. Yet, the influx of new fans to women’s football means that some familiar names might already feel like they belong to a distant past.
Addressing the Fragmentation of Women’s Football History
The intricacies of the WSL’s Hall of Fame symbolize the artificial divisions within women’s football—dating from the era of the ban, through the FA’s takeover of the women’s game, to the establishment of the WSL.
The Call for Recognition
Gilly Flaherty, former West Ham captain, expressed the dilemma of acknowledging players who significantly shaped the league yet remain unrecognized. “Oftentimes, the players I wish to discuss might have played only a single season in the WSL, yet their contributions precede it,” she noted during an event honoring this year’s inductees. She emphasized that many pioneering players never experienced the perks of being a professional athlete.
Highlighting Forgotten Contributions
Flaherty continued, “New fans are stepping into the game, often unaware of those who laid the groundwork for what the WSL is today. We have to ensure that these contributors are not overlooked.” Former England captain Steph Houghton echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the hard work of countless individuals who paved the way for the league’s current success. “There are many players who made sacrifices and might not receive the recognition they deserve in the Hall of Fame,” she stressed.
A Shift in the FA’s Approach to Women’s Football
Historically, the FA has struggled with how to commemorate women’s football, partly due to its involvement in past bans and a slow response to the sport’s development in the decades since. Recently, however, they have taken steps to honor former Lionesses with national team caps to recognize their contributions, albeit with some records remaining incomplete.
A New Era of Recognition
Former Arsenal full-back, Alex Scott, remarked on the significance of honoring the previous generation, stating, “For many of them, there was no media coverage or recognition. It is vital that we celebrate those who advanced the game for us.” She emphasized that while women’s football is thriving, there is still work to be done in ensuring its complete history is recognized and told.
“Sharing these stories falls on us as broadcasters to convey the struggles our pioneers faced, reminding current fans of the path we have traveled and why we must continue pushing for progress,” Scott concluded.
