Amongst all the celebrations, the chanting and the glory, Lioness Lauren Hemp has paid homage to her Norfolk roots. In a heartfelt tweet which included a picture of her beaming whilst holding the Euros trophy above her head, she said: "Just a kid from Norfolk."
Originally from North Walsham, Lauren helped the England women's football team to bring it home in front of a record-breaking crowd. It was a nail-biter of a match against Germany, with it looking all too likely that it would come down to the dreaded penalty shoot out. That was until a corner from Hemp in the 110th minute gave Chloe Kelly the chance to squeeze through another goal.
At the age of 21, Lauren Hemp has already had an incredible career. She was named England Young Player of the Year in September 2016, 2017 and PFA Women's Young Player of the Year in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022. Growing up, she attended Millfield Primary School and North Walsham High School and took interest in football at a young age.
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She began playing football for her local club, North Walsham Youth FC, but her career properly started in 2008 when she and her sister joined Norwich City. She played her final game for Norwich City in 2015 before joining Bristol City from 2016- 2018. She has now been at her current club, Manchester City since 2018.
In response to her tweet, many Norfolk football teams and secondary schools have responded with words of congratulations and anecdotes of when Lauren played against their team in her earlier years.
Aylsham High School said: "Congratulations Laure, Norfolk salutes you. You are an amazing role model for all young people. Your hard work and dedication is an inspiration to us all."
KES Academy Sports said: "Legend! Amazing work from you and the squad! We remember when you scored five goals against us, in one game, back in your North Walsham days!"
Alderman Peel High School tweeted: "Alderman Peel High School (Wells-next-the-Sea) salutes you! So great for our students to see someone like yourself do so brilliantly on the biggest of all stages. Enjoy every minute."
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