Chelsea’s Emma Hayes ‘on real honour’ after being made an OBE

Chelsea Women’s football manager Emma Hayes has described becoming an OBE as a “real honour” and an “unbelievable experience”.

Hayes was appointed by the Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace as the sun shone on the capital on Friday morning.

London-born Hayes, 45, has been the manager of Chelsea FC Women since 2012, and said of the OBE: “It’s a real honour for myself, for my family, for my football club. I’ve had an unbelievable experience.”

She and William spoke about the upcoming Women’s Euro 2022, which is to be hosted by England next month.

“We talked about the growth of the women’s game and now hopefully he will be able to get down and see the girls this summer. We know he’s a keen sports fan,” she said.

Asked about England’s chances in the tournament, she said: “I’m super excited for the players. I know the whole country is willing the team on to win the Euros and (they) certainly have an amazing chance.

“And they’ve got a great squad, a great manager, and everyone’s really optimistic.”

She continued: “I think, if I reflect on my 10 years at Chelsea, where the game was then and where it is now, we’re heading into a summer where we’ve got record-breaking attendances for women’s games.

“I think the broadcasting this summer will demonstrate that this will probably be the biggest women’s football event of all time. That just shows the growing interest in our game and one I’ve been delighted to be a part of.”

Meanwhile, Olympic freestyle BMX star Charlotte Worthington was made an MBE for services to the sport, and described the experience as “awesome, nothing like I’ve ever experienced before”.

Worthington won a gold medal at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics at the Cycling BMX Freestyle park final, where she became the