Jill Scott: A Footballer and Poet Who Inspires Us All

Jill Scott is a professional footballer and poet who has inspired many with her incredible career. She has represented England at the highest level, won an MBE, and has a football pitch named after her. But what makes her so inspiring? Let’s take a look at the story of Jill Scott and find out.

1. She Started Playing Football at the Age of 8

Jill Scott began playing football at the age of 8. She was inspired by her older brother, who was also a keen footballer. She soon developed a love for the game and went on to become one of the most successful players in the women’s game.

2. She Has Represented England at the Highest Level

Jill Scott has represented England at the highest level, playing in two World Cups and three European Championships. She has also won an MBE for her services to football.

3. She Is an Advocate for Women’s Football

Jill Scott is an advocate for women’s football. She is passionate about increasing participation in the game and creating a safe environment for girls to play. She is also a vocal supporter of equal pay for female footballers.

4. She Has Lyrics from One of Her Discs as a Tattoo

Jill reveals that finding the right kind of inspiration ahead of major games has always been vital for her: “I was going to a tournament, and I got a tattoo [of this song] on my wrist because I felt like I just needed some words of motivation.” The song is Step by Step, originally written and recorded by Annie Lennox. Jill’s choice is the cover version by Whitney Houston from 1996.

5. She Was Thankful That She Had the Same Initials as One of the Sunderland Physios

When Jill started her senior career at the age of 17 at her local club Sunderland in 2004, the women’s game had very little financial support, so even something as basic as the team’s kit was second-hand. She was thankful that she had the same initials as one of the physios, so she could find something that fit her.

6. Jill Is a Huge Poetry Fan

Jill loves poetry and writing poems. On Valentine’s Day, she wrote poems for her teammates’ partners. She loves how words can have two or three different meanings and finds writing poetry to be a great way to clear her head.

7. A Football Pitch in Jarrow Is Named After Her

When Jill received an invitation to the opening ceremony of a football pitch in Jarrow that was named after her, she was surprised to find out how big it was. The pitch is going to prioritize women’s and girls’ football and create a safe environment for them to play in.

8. She Got Her MBE in a Car Park Rather Than a Palace

Jill received her MBE during the first national lockdown for Covid-19. Instead of attending a ceremony at Buckingham Palace, she received a card asking her to collect a package from her local sorting office. When she opened it, she found out that it was her MBE!

Conclusion

Jill Scott is an inspirational figure in the world of football and poetry. From starting out playing football at the age of 8 to representing England at the highest level, she has achieved so much in her career. She is also an advocate for women’s football and a huge fan of poetry. Her story is one that inspires us all.