Canada Soccer Hall of Fame adds Rhian Wilkinson, Martina Franko, Patrice Bernier

Headed to the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame, former Canadian internationals Martina Franko and Rhian Wilkinson paid tribute Tuesday to the women who went before them.

Franko, who made 55 international appearances as a forward and centre back from 2005 to 2009, said she hoped she would be remembered as a trailblazer for the women's team. But she singled out another generation of Canadian women.

"So many players before me who were even more trailblazers," said Franko.

Wilkinson, who won 181 caps for Canada, pointed to Hall of Famer Charmaine Hooper and others "that came before me that did so much work to put women's soccer on the map."

Franko, Wilkinson and Patrice Bernier comprise the Class of 2022 for the Hall of Fame. The trio combined for 292 Canadian caps, carrying Canadian colours around the globe and helping pave the way for others.

"Bernier was a Canadian champion and men's national team hero while both Franko and Wilkinson were notable members of our Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup teams with the women's national team," Canada Soccer president Nick Bontis said in a statement. "All three Canadian heroes are deserving of this great honour in recognition of their careers as professional players."

Franko and Wilkinson thanked Canada Soccer for the resources it has allocated to the women's team over the years. Franko lives in Squamish, B.C., and says she sees plenty of winter athletes in need of financial help.

"I feel lucky that we, even in my generation … not that long ago, we were very very well-funded," she said. "Obviously it could be way more funded and hopefully that is changing rapidly today. But I compare myself to other sports … I feel very very fortunate compared to even what 30 years ago our trailblazers had