Give Freedom of City to Steph Houghton and Jill Scott

Sunderland's opposition Liberal Democrats are calling for freedom of the city to be awarded to Wearside footballing legends Steph Houghton and Jill Scott.

Liberal Democrat councillors in Sunderland are asking the Chief Executive of the Council to start proceedings to award the freedom of the city to local Lionesses Steph Houghton and Jill Scott.

Former Monkwearmouth School pupil Jill Scott played for Sunderland, Everton and Manchester City - and was part of England's winning Euro 2022 squad this year, before announcing her retirement from the game in August 2022.

Fellow former Sunderland AFC star Steph Houghton has also played for Leeds United, Arsenal and Man City - as well as captaining England.

Lib Dem councillors are also asking for other Sunderland AFC legends to be considered for recognition - including Gary Bennett who made 350 appearances for Sunderland AFC, has been an active participant in the Show Racism the Red Card campaign as well as being involved with grassroots teams in Sunderland.

Commenting Lib Dem councillor for Millfield and Thornholme Julia Potts said:

"I am sure people across Sunderland will agree that Jill Scott and Steph Houghton are legends of the women's game who have represented our city and our country impeccably.

"It is only right that following on from honouring the 1973 FA Cup Final squad last year the Council now honours our local Lionesses too.

"While we are at it, we would like Black Cats legend Gary Bennett to be considered for the honour of freedom of our city too following his MBE award in the New Years Honours list. Not only is he one of the people who have made the most appearances for our club, he continues to do sterling work in Wearside communities as well as with 'Show Racism the Red Card'.

"I am sure councillors from all parties will agree that these three legends should be awarded freedom of the city as soon as possible."