Bootle-born Lioness Alex Greenwood awarded Freedom of Sefton
She is the first female to receive the honour
Bootle-born Lioness Alex Greenwood has become the first woman to be awarded Freedom of the Borough of Sefton.
The England international received the honour in a special ceremony at Bootle Town Hall.
She is a key part of Serena Wiegman's squad and was part of the team that clinched the 2022 European Championships and reached the final of last summer's World Cup.
The Manchester City defender follows fellow Bootle footballer Jamie Carragher and famous horse trainer Donald 'Ginger' McCain in being given the highest honour Sefton Council can bestow.
Alex said:
"A really good night. To have all the people who are really important to me here is really nice and really special.
"A huge moment. The third person, but most importantly first female and hopefully not the last.
"Coming home always feels special. I never forget where I'm from, it's a place that means so much to me. It means so much to who I am as a person, the values I carry as an individual - I was made here, so even more proud."
Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said:
"Alex is a fantastic role model for young people in Sefton and has long been a major influence in the advancement of women and girls’ football within our borough.
"Despite still being at the top of her game and competing in the Women's Super League, Alex regularly takes time to motivate and inspire future generations of sporting stars throughout our communities."
Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing, said:
"I want to take this opportunity to urge all our young sporting stars to take a look at Alex’s hard work and dedication to getting where she is today as one of the world’s best female footballers.
"Her progress is a testament to the excellent school and sports facilities we have within Sefton."