‘The reason I am doing what I am now is because of what I did then’ – Scott reflects on WSL Hall of Fame honour

Former Arsenal defender Alex Scott MBE highlighted the role that football has had in helping her build a successful broadcasting career after being inducted into the Barclays Women’s Super League’s Hall of Fame.

Scott was one of four Barclays Women’s Super League pioneers to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2024. Gilly Flaherty, Rebecca Welch and Steph Houghton MBE have also had their significant contributions to the game’s growth celebrated. 

When speaking to the media in a Barclays Women’s Super League Hall of Fame Celebration Event, Scott highlighted how important her playing career was in getting her into the position that she finds herself in today.

“I think for me, it takes everything back to where it all started,” Scott said following her induction. “People have seen me on their TV screens and there are things I have managed to do in my broadcasting career but for me, this reminds everyone that I had an incredible career with Arsenal which I am so blessed about. We managed to win a lot of trophies and really help women’s football get to the place it is today.

“The reason I am doing what I am now is because of what I did then.”

Scott won 21 trophies with Arsenal, spread across three spells in North London. She was a Barclays Women’s Super League winner with the club in 2012. Since retiring, Scott has continued to champion the women’s game in the world of football punditry, breaking down barriers for others in the industry. 

“I think for me, I sit there and when I look at tournaments now, whether it’s men’s tournaments or going into EUROs, the amount of female pundits and female presenters that you see on screen [is great],” Scott said when commenting on the growth of female punditry. “Don’t get me wrong, at the time, to be that first on BBC and Super Sundays and everything, it was great, but that was never the thing.”

Speaking about the importance of the Barclays Women’s Super League’s Hall of Fame event, Scott said that it is special to recognise and celebrate the original pioneers whilst issuing a reminder that the game needs to keep growing.

She said “What is special for me is yes, this is our night but over the last two years, we are seeing the generation before us also being honoured. Before, there was no coverage on TV for them to get their moment or England caps and for them to shine. It is great to see those who pushed the game forward for our generation before we were doing it for the generation [now]; where they go into academies and where they are being signed, they are going straight into a professional environment. It is incredible.

“It is that responsibility to know that women’s football is an amazing place but it is still not where we want it to be. The generation now yes, it is professional, you have the income and the environment around you but we still want to make it even better and slicker for the next-gen coming through.

“It wasn’t always about selling out the Emirates and that being great. It took a long time to get here and celebrate it. I think in a way, we need to make people understand that yes, we went through that and that isn’t us complaining about it, it’s just understanding this is why we’re here. This is why we need to continue to fight for more and not be satisfied with where we are at.”

The Barclays Women’s Super League’s Hall of Fame was launched in 2021 to coincide with the 10th year of WSL football. Four new members are inducted into the Hall of Fame each year.