Outgoing FA Director of Women’s Football Baroness Sue Campbell was one of seven sport Game Changers announced by the National Lottery today as part of the organisation’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
The individuals across sport were given this prestigious honour celebrating them as dedicated, inspiring, high achieving individuals who have had a transformative impact on their sport, and a transformative impact on their wider communities and society.
During Baroness Campbell’s tenure, The FA redesigned talent pathways, oversaw seismic growth of the domestic leagues, championed grassroots football and the Lionesses achieved historic success by winning EURO 2022 with the growth of the game outlined in a recent ‘Inspiring Positive Change’ strategy review.
Baroness Campbell joined the ParalympicGB’s most successful Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, parkrun founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt, the first black woman to represent Team GB in swimming at the Olympics Alice Dearing, and the coaches behind decorated Scottish swimming, NI boxing and Welsh wheelchair rugby league teams – Steven Tigg, Damian Kennedy and Stephen Jones.
The Game Changers were nominated by members of the public and selected by a panel composed of members of The National Lottery family and partners and selected as examples of dedicated, inspiring, high achieving individuals who have had a transformative impact on their sport, and a transformative impact on their wider communities and society.
Clare Balding said: "Sport is about so much more than winning a gold medal, it’s about the impact it has on our lives. That’s why I’m honoured to be a part of championing these seven outstanding people who have truly changed the game in their sports and communities. Sport unites people across borders, bridges divides, and ignites the human spirit, reminding us that through perseverance, teamwork, and passion, we can achieve greatness beyond the limits we once believed impossible. The Game Changers exemplify the transformative power of sport – and the role The National Lottery has played in making their achievements possible has been vital."
A poignant poem recognising the contribution of Baroness Campbell and the other six inspirational people to sport has been revealed at four sporting locations across the UK. Created by world-renowned Scottish contemporary artist and poet Robert Montgomery, the moving work titled ‘It’s Not About Winning’ marks 30 years of The National Lottery and its support of UK sport. Each verse of the poem highlights the unique journey and passion of one of the seven individuals to recognise their extraordinary impact on both grassroots and elite level sport.
The poem was unveiled through a series of imaginative installations including the dressing rooms at Wembley Stadium.
Baroness Sue Campbell will shortly depart The FA to be replaced in the Director of Women’s Football by Sue Day.
