University lecturer Kerys Harrop inducted into Barclays Women’s Super League Hall of Fame

A University lecturer and former professional footballer has been inducted into the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) Hall of Fame, recognising her outstanding contribution to women’s football.

Kerys Harrop has been named as one of the newest inductees into the Barclays WSL Hall of Fame, alongside Casey Stoney MBE and the late Matt Beard. The honour recognises individuals who have made an exceptional impact on the women’s professional game.

A former defender with Birmingham City and Tottenham Hotspur, Kerys enjoyed a distinguished playing career spanning more than a decade at the top level of English football. She made over 180 appearances in the Women’s Super League and held the competition’s all‑time appearances record until after her retirement, reaching the landmark in April 2023.

Kerys said: “It is a real privilege to be inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame, alongside two legends of the women's game in Casey Stoney and Matt Beard. I looked up to Casey as a fellow central defender as she was a great leader on and off the pitch. Matt was so well thought of across the whole women's football community and helped push the game to new levels. It is a real honour to be inducted alongside these two and I look forward to celebrating our induction at the WSL awards evening in May.

I never thought I would ever be inducted into the Hall of Fame, so it is a brilliant celebration of my career at Birmingham and Tottenham and the great times I had throughout my career.”

During her time with Birmingham City, Kerys helped secure victory in the 2012 Women’s FA Cup and played a key role in the club’s run to the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi‑finals in 2014. She later joined Tottenham Hotspur Women, continuing to compete at the highest level until her retirement from professional football in 2023.

Alongside her elite sporting career, Kerys has built a strong academic career. After retiring from the professional game, she completed postgraduate study including a PGCE and is now a lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton, teaching within sport‑related degree programmes and inspiring students with her experience from elite performance environments.

Kerys’s induction recognises not only her achievements as a record‑breaking player, but also her continued contribution to the development of women’s football through education and leadership.