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Kerys proud to hit the back of the net for University

15/11/2024

An iconic English female footballer is at the heart of a University of Wolverhampton campaign celebrating its most successful alumni.

Kerys Harrop has built strong links with the University, where she is now a lecturer, after being one of the most decorated players of the last decade in the Women’s Super League.

The 33-year-old was the league’s all-time appearance record holder having played 183 games for Birmingham City and Tottenham Hotspur and, since retiring, has focused on her career as a lecturer.

Kerys studied for a Master’s degree in Postgraduate Research in Sport at the University of Wolverhampton and has now joined the University’s academic team on the Football Coaching and Performance Degree course.

The Halesowen-born footballer has now been selected as one of the key players in the University’s Every Story has a Start campaign, which is showcasing and celebrating the achievements of six of its most inspiring former students.

A portrait of footballer Kerys Harop

The campaign features advertising at strategic locations around the West Midlands, including at train stations, bus stops and billboards, as well as across social media.

Kerys said: “I’ve had a long association with the University of Wolverhampton and to feature in the Every Story has a Start campaign is a huge honour.

“It’s a real full circle for me because I started off as a student here and now I’m on the staff and working as a lecturer.

“My football career was an incredible thrill and I take away some memories which will last a lifetime, including winning the FA Cup with my hometown club Birmingham City and leading us out as captain in another final.

“However, I’m equally as excited to be back at the University of Wolverhampton, helping people – including hopefully as many females as possible – on to the ladder to a career in football coaching, with many coming from the local area where I grew up.”

Amongst the five alumni featuring alongside Kerys in the Every Story has a Start campaign is Abi Dare, a New York Times best-selling winning author.

Professor Ebrahim Adia, Vice-Chancellor at the University, said: “We are a University proudly rooted in our local and regional community offering opportunity to all, regardless of background. That spirit of social mobility and transformation equips our graduates with the skills and attributes to succeed in their lives and careers and enables them to contribute to the creation of a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable society.

“This campaign really does capture the amazing achievements of some of our graduates. It’s amazing to see that every single one of these stories started right here in Wolverhampton.”

For enquiries regarding alumni events or to share news, contact the alumni team at alumni@wlv.ac.uk.

After graduation, graduates become members of the Alumni Association and are encouraged to keep in touch, to take advantage of a wide range of benefits and support on offer, including a discount for postgraduate study.

Anyone interested in courses being offered in the University’s School of Sport should check its website or register for forthcoming Open Days. 

ENDS

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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