The National Football Museum has announced the induction of Patricia Gregory MBE into its Hall of Fame, recognising her outstanding contribution to the development and visibility of women’s football in England.
The induction will take place during a special live watch along event at the National Football Museum on the evening of England’s UEFA Women’s European Championship group stage clash with the Netherlands. It marks a fitting tribute to Gregory’s lifelong commitment to championing the women’s game — often in the face of sexual discrimination, institutional resistance, and sexism.
Gregory’s legacy is foundational. As one of the central figures in the re-establishment of women’s football in the 1960s, she co-founded the Women’s Football Association (WFA) in 1969 — a body set up to organise the game at a national level following the FA’s decades-long ban. As a WFA committee member, she played a critical role in organising the first England women’s international matches and developing structured leagues for women and girls.
A tireless advocate for gender equality in sport, Gregory was instrumental in helping lift the FA’s ban on women playing on affiliated pitches in 1971 — a landmark moment in English football. Her work helped lay the foundations for the game’s growth and eventual governance by The FA in 1993. Throughout her life, she has continued to push for better representation, recognition, and opportunities for women in football, earning her an MBE in 2024 for services to the sport.
Her induction fits the Hall of Fame’s criteria for outstanding contribution to football in England — particularly for those who have broken new ground, advanced the game, and left a legacy that continues to inspire future generations.
Tim Desmond, Chief Executive of the National Football Museum, said: “Patricia Gregory’s influence on women’s football in this country cannot be overstated. 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.”
Upon finding out the news, Gregory said: “How exciting that someone who had an undistinguished playing career can be recognised for efforts which helped enable others to reach their playing potential.”
“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.”
For more information about the National Football Museum and their bumper Summer of women’s football activity, you can visit their website here: www.nationalfootballmuseum.com.