Page 18 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.14 2022-23

The Irish Football Association’s book charting Northern Ireland’s remarkable journey to
UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 has been officially launched.
Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan and record caps holder Julie Nelson helped
to launch the book at an event for fans in the Education and Heritage Centre within the
National Football Stadium at Windsor Park.
The book, entitled ‘A New Dream’, shows how Kenny Shiels’ side embraced the big
international stage as they took on Norway, Austria and eventual winners England in their
three Group A encounters at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton.
The Green and White Army were out in force in Southampton and the publication
features the fans, too.
The 152-page book also looks at how Northern Ireland qualified for, and prepared for,
their first major tournament and how the team are continuing to inspire girls and boys across
Northern Ireland.
With a foreword by manager Kenny Shiels and containing dozens of stunning pictures –
many of them behind-the-scenes and never before seen – it is the definitive official record of
an unforgettable campaign.
The book was launched against the backdrop of a new exhibit on women’s football in
Northern Ireland which has also just been unveiled at the Education and Heritage Centre.
‘A New Dream – the story of Northern Ireland’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 journey’ by
writer Nigel Tilson (Irish FA) and photographer William Cherry (Press Eye), which costs
£22 per copy (including postage and packaging), can be purchased by using the form at the
Northern Ireland FA website.
(irishfa.com)

Senior Northern Ireland internationals Steven Davis and Julie Nelson have received honorary
degrees from Queen’s University Belfast.
Davis, the captain of the senior men’s team who has earned a record 140 caps for his
country, has been become a Doctor of the University for distinction in sport.
Nelson, a stalwart in the senior women’s team who has earned a record 130 caps for her
country, has also become a Doctor of the University for distinction in sport. Both Steven Davis
MBE and Julie Nelson BEM received their honorary degrees at a special ceremony in the
university.
Julie said: “I am incredibly honoured to receive an honorary doctorate from Queen’s
University. Representing Northern Ireland means the world to me and it is touching to be
recognised for my contributions.
“This honour shows the continued high regard for women’s football in Northern Ireland
and it was special to receive this award alongside our international men’s captain Steven Davis.”
Queen’s University Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Greer said: “It is a privilege for
Queen’s to recognise and celebrate the impact people from our community make here and
across the world.
“From charting a way through a pandemic to sporting excellence and to those whose
lives have been committed to social justice, our society is full of skilled and talented people
who enrich our community.
“Our honorary graduates continue to serve our community and act as ambassadors for
Northern Ireland on the national and international stage, and we are delighted to have this
opportunity to reflect their contributions.”
(irishfa.com)
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