Kerry Davis on being the first black woman to play for England

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Unlike when Davis started out, young girls in England can now grow up dreaming of representing their country. She began playing against boys her age and then at just 10 years of age she joined Sandbach Women in Cheshire.

Back then, football was an escape from the harsh reality of where she grew up in Staffordshire.

“Where we lived, there was a lot of racism,” recalled Davis.

“It was around me a lot because I grew up in an area where there were probably only three or four Caribbean families.

“School was very painful – more so for my brother and sister than for me – because my outlet was just go and play football.”

By her own admission, Davis only discovered that there was an England women’s side when she joined Crewe Alexandra Ladies as a 16-year-old.

“They [Crewe] had a good coach there called John Fleet,” Davis said.

“He was very forward thinking and he basically said that if I joined Crewe he’d help develop me, make me a better player.

“He was true to his word and then I got wind that there was an England team and that was my ambition,” she added.

Things couldn’t be more different now.

“The Lionesses have elevated the sport to a new level so it’s become the norm that women play football. They’re on television and they’re making a career and earning money out of their passion,” Davis said.

Her career also took her to Italy as a semi-professional which Davis says was light years ahead of women’s football in England at the time.

“It was like chalk and cheese basically,” Davis said.

“You didn’t have to pay for your boots, you didn’t have to pay for your kit, you didn’t have to wash your kit. Those little details make a difference to your life and your football life.”

After her playing days were over, Davis wanted to stay in football but said the opportunities “weren’t there”.

Despite that, Davis’ experiences haven’t been lost to the game entirely.

She has, at Wiegman’s request, spoken to the Lionesses about her generation and their battle for recognition.

She is also involved in a project in association with the National Football Museum with the likes of Powell and Nikita Parris to highlight the impact of players of Caribbean heritage on English football.

“I think it’s really important to tell peoples’ stories,” Davis added.

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