Messages in support of England Lioness Fran Kirby have been erected around Reading town centre ahead of Euro 2022.

The European Championships get underway next week as the Lionesses host Austria at Old Trafford.

More than 400 billboards have been put up around the country in support of the individuals in their home towns.

Reading-born Kirby spent 12 years with the Royals- scoring an incredible 68 goals in 42 appearances- before joining giants Chelsea in 2015.

Reading Chronicle:

The England regular is the all-time leading goalscorer for the Blues and will look to run out in her fourth international tournament.

Each billboard displays an artistic image of the Lioness hailing from the local area, inscribed with inspirational messages of support from young grassroots players.

The billboards showcase the players as role models and the impact they are already having when it comes to inspiring girls to get involved with football, with lines including:

 

  • “She makes me want to be like her every time I’m on the pitch”
  • “Watching her helps me focus and believe I can do it too”
  • “She’s made me believe anything is possible”

Reading Chronicle:

England Head Coach, Sarina Wiegman, said: “We are so excited to compete in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 and look forward to seeing the whole country get behind the team. This campaign highlights the immense support we feel from fans in each of these locations and beyond and is a celebration of the impact that the players are having on girls around the country. This tournament presents a real opportunity to get even more girls involved in playing, coaching, refereeing and watching football.” 

 

The Reading billboards can be found outside Reading station and on Broad Street.