‘Lasting legacy’: London names train line after Lionesses،
The Lionesses gave their name to an elevated train line in London.
The Transport for London (TFL) project has seen six elevated train lines renamed, to make them “simpler and easier” for customers. The changes will come into force by the end of 2024. Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said the six new names will “help inform visitors” about the city, while the names reflect the history and diversity culture of London.
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The Lioness line runs from Euston to Watford Junction, north London, and passes through Wembley. In renaming the line in honor of the Lionesses, TFL said: “The team is creating a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and empower the next generation of women and girls in sport.”
The Lionesses won Euro 2022 in front of a sold-out Wembley Stadium and reached the 2023 World Cup final last August. They also won the 2023 Finalissima against Brazil and are preparing for Euro 2025 qualification.
“Following their triumph at the UEFA Women's EURO in 2022 and their memorable run to the FIFA Women's World Cup final a year later, the Lionesses' success has attracted millions of fans and had a significant impact on the number of participations in the sport,” TFL added.
“Following the success of the EURO, an additional 2.3 million women and girls were inspired to play in the season following the tournament. This shows the remarkable impact the team has on the next generation.”
The other five airlines are named: the Windrush Line, the Weaver Line, the Liberty Line, the Mildmay Line and the Suffragette Line.
The social impact of the Lionesses since winning the Euros has also led the government to provide a package of £600 million ($753.3 million) to create equal opportunities in education for girls last March. This announcement follows an open letter written to the government by Sarina Wiegman's England team which called for equal access to sport for young girls in schools. English schools are required to provide equal access to sport and provide at least two hours of physical education per week.
Leah Williamson, captain of England's Euro 2022-winning team, said it was the team's “responsibility to open the doors” for girls from a young age to be introduced to the sport and have the same opportunities as boys.
This is not the first time the Lionesses have been honored by renaming a transport in their honor. England goalkeeper Mary Earps named a tram in Nottingham after her last year.
