Alessia Russo mural unveiled at grassroots club Bearsted FC after England Euro 2025 triumph | OneFootball

A new mural at Bearsted FC honours hometown hero and European champion Alessia Russo — celebrating where her incredible football journey began.

Unveiled by England legend Rachel Yankey, the mural celebrates Russo’s rise from grassroots football to global success. It also stands as a symbol of inspiration for the next generation of girls within women’s football.

The timing could not be more perfect as the Lionesses became record breakers once again. Winning back-to-back European Championships with a 3-1 penalty shootout victory over World Champions Spain, women’s football in England is in a golden era. The Lionesses have now reached three major tournament finals in just four years.

Behind the scenes, crucial support has helped make this transformation possible. In 2020, Bearsted FC received £10,000 in National Lottery funding to help the club weather the storm during the pandemic. That backing has played a key role in building a thriving girls’ programme. A prime example of how investment can spark real change within communities.

Now, a further £15.8 million — committed by the National Lottery to support women’s football through 2027 — ensures more opportunities for young players to follow in Russo’s footsteps. This is part of a wider legacy, with over £6 billion raised for grassroots sport and community initiatives over three decades, thanks to National Lottery players.

‘Football is not about boys anymore, it’s about boys and girls’

Following the success of the Lionesses at the Women’s Euros, Rachel Yankey visited Bearsted FC to highlight the impact of The National Lottery funding into grassroots sport and the future ahead. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images for The National Lottery)

Speaking on hometown hero Russo, Bearsted FC chairman Jamie Houston said: “She’s an inspiration to the rest of the girls, giving them hope. Football is not about boys anymore, it’s about girls and boys. Before the first Euros, we didn’t have girls’ teams — now we’ve got five.”

Marc Fuller, the U8s girls’ team coach at Bearsted FC, added: “Inspiration for the girls is massive. To drive them and see their heroes playing on the football pitch and doing it themselves on the pitch is phenomenal.”

From local pitches to packed stadiums, the future of women’s football is looking brighter than ever. This mural of Alessia Russo isn’t just a tribute, it’s a reminder that big dreams can start in small places.

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