Rachel Yankey unveils mural honouring Euro 2025 hero Alessia Russo

The colourful design at Bearsted FC in Kent was unveiled by Rachel Yankey, the legendary former Lioness and Arsenal star. The spectacular mural celebrates both Russo’s achievements and the way National Lottery funding has revolutionised grassroots sport across the UK.

After beating Spain on penalties in the final, the achievements of the Lionesses in the past four years are unparalleled in the history of English football. Their tally includes two Euros triumphs and a World Cup final.

For over 30 years, The National Lottery has invested more than £6BN into grassroots clubs to help change the game for women’s sport. Now, £15.8MMillion of National Lottery funding is allocated up to 2027, with the primary objective of getting more girls to play.

Rachel, who made 129 appearances for her country between 1997 and 2013, said, “It was great to be at Alessia’s grassroots club to see the unveiling of the mural and the impact that the £6BN funding from The National Lottery into grassroots sport has had not just here but across the rest of the country.”

You can watch a video about the creation of the mural below:

29th July 2025