‘Inspired many’ - grassroots club pay tribute to Millie Bright as Sheffield football hero retires
Millie Bright was destined for greatness from a young age, Killamarsh Dynamos chairman Mike Atherton tells The Star
Women’s football has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity and Millie Bright has been a central figure in that.
She’s recognised as one of the main enforcers during Emma Hayes’ dominant period as Chelsea boss and has remained just as pivotal under Sonia Bompastor in more recent times as well.
Notably, she was an ever present in the backline during the England Lionesses’ first ever European Championship victory under Sarina Weigman in 2022, featuring in all six games as the team roared to victory on home soil.
Bright is a fine example of the importance of having strong grassroots facilities in Sheffield. She’s also someone that remains an inspiration to many young girls in the city.
The 32-year-old has been FIFPRO World 11 on two occasions, something few defenders achieve once never mind twice in their careers.However, she hasn’t always been a tough-tackling defender.
Mike Atherton, club committee chairman of Killamarsh Dynamos told The Star: “Millie started with us at under-12 level and was with us for a few years. When she first came and trained it was pretty clear she was our best player and that she had something about her that could take her on to bigger and better things.
“She was always fairly tall, had a good touch, strength and great ability to head a ball and score lots of goals, these were attributes which made her an effective forward in the early years. I think those same things have stood her in good stead since she’s dropped back to play in defence.”
Mike added: “Her dad’s a builder. Plenty of her family are builders. If you ask her she’d probably tell her she’d be a builder if she wasn’t a footballer.”
Millie played for Killamarsh as a teenager before joining the academy at Sheffield United and later making a name for herself at Doncaster Belles.
Even as a youngster at Killamarsh, she often helped out on the coaching side. She’s one of only two footballers across the male and female game to have led England to a World Cup final having served as captain during the 2023 tournament when Leah Williamson was sidelined by injury.
“She was always a leader and someone destined to be at the front of the queue when it came to helping us and things like that,” Mike said.
“I think if she wanted to she could go into coaching but I think most likely she’ll take time to think of what's best for her first. She'll be involved with Chelsea as an ambassador and do work with the football foundation. Millie will continue to do great things for sure.”
Millie has stayed close to her roots up north despite playing the bulk of her career in London. She often visits the girls at Killamarsh and in the past has even arranged for the whole team to go to the Lionesses training centre and see the facilities.
“She’s regularly back in the village,” said Mike.
“I still see quite a lot of her, last time I saw her was three weeks ago. Everyone in the village is really proud of what she’s achieved and I’m so happy that she has reached the heights she has done in her career.”
One of the pitches at Killamarsh has even been named the Millie Bright Pitch in her honour highlighting her importance to the club.
Mike said: “When she came to the unveiling of the pitch. She was wondering how many would turn up to see. I think she was still there about two hours after it was all over signing autographs, taking pictures and speaking to young girls, many of them aspiring footballers just like her.
“She’s always supporting the club and remains a really great example for the next generation of players.”