Following last year’s victory in winning the Women’s Euro 2022 final, Lioness winning goal scorer Chloe Kelly is to be given the Freedom of the Borough.
The 25-year-old Man City player who attended Elthorne Park High School in Hanwell, scored the winning goal at Wembley Stadium during extra time which resulted in England’s 2-1 win against Germany in the Euro 2022 final.
At a special council meeting of the Labour-run council last night (11 July 2023), the motion to recognise Chloe’s achievement was read out to councillors by council leader Councillor Peter Mason.
Councillor Mason said: “I move formally that Chloe Kelly be awarded the freedom of the borough and reserve everybody’s right to speak at a celebration event in the not too distant future.”
The motion was seconded by deputy council leader Councillor Deirdre Costigan and also supported by both opposition groups – Ealing Liberal Democrats and Ealing Conservatives.
The formal motion to recognise Hanwell’s Chloe read: “To award Chloe Kelly Freedom of the Borough, pursuant to section 249 (5) of the Local Government Act 1972, in recognition of the eminent service she has rendered to the Borough due to her talent and achievements in the world of football, both for Manchester City and the England national team, and the inspiration she has given to all young people in Ealing and beyond.”
Councillor Gary Malcolm, leader of Ealing Liberal Democrats who seconded the motion told EALING.NEWS of his and the borough’s pride: “It only feels like yesterday when we stood to offer the Freedom of the Borough to Bukayo Saka. But to have residents who have graced the high echelons of sporting prowess, we are very lucky. We are all very proud of Chloe Kelly.
“Rising through the ranks of the under 17s, under 19s, under 20s before the full national squad she clearly had great talent. She said playing in the football cages in Windmill Park, in Ealing, made her the player she is and a pupil of Elthorne Park High School with many local connections.
“At the UEFA Women’s Euro’s in 2022 when Chloe came off the bench to score the winning goal in the final, I think she made many millions of people in the country very happy. Sport is one of those things which can unite a country. She did that. We are so proud of Chloe.
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, Ealing Green Party chair Neil Reynolds said: “Awarding Freedom of the Borough is the right move. Chloe Kelly’s winning goal last year is one of the greatest moments in this country’s sporting history. I hope she is able to a accept it whilst wearing another winners medal after the World Cup in Australia!”
An event to celebrate Chloe being given Freedom of the Borough is expected to take place later this year.
