North Yorkshire's football teams back our campaign to honour England star Beth Mead

York City, Harrogate Town and Whitby Town are supporting calls to award the Lioness Freedom of the Borough of Scarborough

Published 6th Feb 2023

The managers of York City, Harrogate Town and Whitby Town have come together to lead an army of support for England star Beth Mead to be given a top local honour.

We're calling on Scarborough Council to give the Lioness Freedom of the Borough, after the Euros winner was left off the list.

Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver, York City manager David Webb and Whitby Town coach Nathan Haslam are among hundreds of people backing the call.

Weaver said "I think it's very important to highlight the successes, the recognition has to come for such inspriation figures".

While Webb added: "She's a fantastic player for England and it's credit to her for her achievments".

Haslam, who is the manager of Whitby Town, near Beth's home of Hinderwell, said: "Beth's been a great part in shining a light on women's footbal"

"It's only by the work of Beth and fellow Lionesses that the games in the great position that it is now".

More than 350 people have now signed a petition calling on Scarborough Council to give Beth Freedom of the Borough.

Last week, the council said it would reconsider the decision, but added: ""The award can be granted to ‘persons of distinction and persons who have, in the opinion of the council, rendered eminent services to the borough."

"Awards are therefore only made in very exceptional circumstances."

What is the campaign?

We need your help to make sure one of England's top football stars is given Freedom of the Borough of Scarborough.

After helping England lift it's first major trophy in more than half a century, the council has decided not to give Beth Mead Freedom of the Borough of Scarborough.

That's despite Beth becoming the tournaments joint top-scorer of all time, and even recieving an MBE from King Charles.

Now, Greatest Hits Radio has started a petition because we agree that she should be honoured for her achievements.

Who is Beth Mead?

Beth Mead is a footballer who plays as a forward for Arsenal and the England women's football team.

She grew up in Hinderwell, near Whitby, which she describes as: "the sort of place where people are outnumbered by sheep".

Beth started playing football when she was just six-years-old, joining her local side, where she says it turned out she was "rougher than most of the boys".

She quickly went on to join the youth team at Middlesbrough, before joining Sunderland, and then making a name for herself in the Women's Super League with Arsenal.

In 2021, she became the joint top-scorer of all time at the women's Euros, totalling six goals and helping the Lionesses lift the trophy.

Scarborough councillors have now been told to reconsider their decision not to award Beth Freedom of the Borough for her achievments.

You can sign the petition here.