Statue of Lily Parr, one of the early trailblazers of women’s football, unveiled at National Football Museum

A statue of Lily Parr, who is widely recognised as one of the early trailblazers of women’s football, is now on display at the National Football Museum in Manchester.

The life-size bronze statue, unveiled by Lily’s cousin, June Patten, is situated on the first floor of the museum in the players zone, which explores footballing pioneers and the challenges and prejudices they fought to overcome.

It is the first statue of a female footballer to be unveiled anywhere in the UK.

An outside left winger, Parr scored over 980 goals in 833 games during a 32-year career for Dick, Kerr Ladies, one of the earliest women’s teams in England.

The team comprised of workers at a munitions factory in Preston after which it was named.

Parr was just 14 when she joined the team as a full-back, but swifty graduated to the left wing two years later and scored an impressive 108 goals during her first year in the position.

Enjoying a playing career from 1919 to 1951, she was reputed to possess one of the most powerful shots in football and had the ability to score goals from extraordinary angles.

Famed by her left-foot cross drive, Parr’s steely determination to be the best footballer worldwide saw her spend hours perfecting her shooting technique.

“This is a momentous moment and Lily thoroughly deserves this honour,” said former England women captain Faye White.

“As a female footballer, it’s inspiring to see the progress we’re making in celebrating women in sport.

“Women’s football has come a long way since it first began and I’m looking forward to cheering on the England Lionesses this summer alongside the nation.”

The statue was created by sculptor Hannah Stewart, was commissioned by Mars as part of its ongoing #SupportHer campaign to inspire the current England women’s team and future female sports stars.