On Friday, England Women's Head Coach, Hope Powell was awarded an honorary doctorate by Leeds Metropolitan University.

Hope was appointed as the first ever full-time National Coach of the Women’s team in June 1998. Speaking at the ceremony where she received her accolade alongside Fijian Rugby Sevens star Waisale Serevi, Hope said: "It is great to receive this prestigious accolade from Leeds Carnegie.

"This is really special, particularly with the progress in women’s football which Leeds Carnegie is involved with including its recent link up with the team in Leeds."

Her honorary doctorate builds on Leeds Metropolitan University’s involvement with Women’s football, which was strengthened earlier this month as Leeds United Ladies FC changed their name to Leeds Carnegie Ladies FC.

The long-term commitment from Leeds Met will provide the club with additional resources both on and off the field, including a full-time football administrator to be based at the University.