Former Liverpool FC Player Fara Williams Announced As First Inductee Into FA WSL Hall of Fame
One of the best we ever had, Fara is getting her due.
Fara Williams is finally being recognized for her impact on the Women’s game.
Voted on by an expert panel for her career on the domestic and international level, Williams will be the first inductee into the FA Women’s Super League Hall of Fame alongside Arsenal’s Rachel Yankey.
Williams, who is England’s most capped player ever with 172 appearances, has played all of her domestic matches in the Women’s Super League since starting her career at Chelsea. She joined Liverpool from Everton in 2012 and was part of the historic title winning squad of 2013 and 2014 with current manager Matt Beard.
She retired from football at the end of the 2020-21 season citing health reasons, after playing at Arsenal and Reading following her stint at Liverpool. She has 146 career goals, including 9 at Liverpool in 35 appearances.
Off the pitch, Williams was homeless for 6 years in the early days of her career, and has worked tirelessly since then for recognition of homeless players, spending time as a coach for the Homeless FA charity.
She is a player who has been through it, and has largely been a beacon of determination throughout her career, and fully deserves this honor.
“I am delighted that Fara is our first inductee,” said chair of the WSL Hall of Fame panel Kelly Simmons.
“She is one of those players that can do something special when you least expect it, and because of that - as well as having been an ever present in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League prior to her retirement - the panel was unanimous in her being inducted.
“Not only was she an incredible player but she is a wonderful person, and she is fully deserving of her induction into the inaugural Barclays FA Women’s Super League Hall of Fame. Congratulations, Fara.”
Williams herself spoke of the honor in an Instagram post following the announcement on Tuesday.
“Growing up playing on my estate I never dreamed of being a professional footballer. I just loved the game and still do now, so to be recognised in this way is so special to me and such a huge honour.
“I hope my journey from being a young girl playing with the boys through to becoming professional, winning titles, lifting the FA Cup and representing my country can inspire the next generation of the amazing talent we have in this country.”
Two more players are expected to join Williams and Yankey by Thursday morning as the inductions continue.
Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com
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