‘Lauren Hemp effect’ paying off already – ex-coach hails ‘inspirational’ Lioness

Norfolk is now swarming with young girls in Lauren Hemp shirts dreaming of a career just like their local Lioness’s.

Her England number 11 kit is most noticeable around North Walsham Town FC, where the 21-year-old began a journey that has taken her all the way to Wembley for Sunday’s Euro 2022 final.

Josh Roper, coach for North Walsham Ladies, has witnessed the ‘Hemp effect’ first hand, crediting the Manchester City striker with an uptick in attendance across girls and women’s offerings at the club where her autographed shirt occupies a place of honour on the wall.

“We always knew she was going to be successful,” said Roper, who was a volunteer coach when Hemp returned from Norwich for a second spell in her hometown.

“The England call-up happened sooner than we all thought, really, and the fact that she’s such a key player, starting all the games so far has just been amazing.”

Yet Roper, who attended secondary school with the understated forward, does not think the four-time PFA Young Player of the Year puts much stock in her newfound fame.

He told the PA news agency: “It’s probably come as a bit of a shock for her, really, that people are starting to ask for autographs.

“She’s going to be an inspiration, not only for many of the young girls at our club, but for many around the country.

“The impact is starting to pay off already. We’ve had a new under-nines girls team start this year, we had 24 ladies turn up for training last week. When we started a couple of seasons ago we had less than 10. It’s really kicking off at the moment.

“The girls all have Lauren Hemp shirts popping up everywhere and they’re chanting and singing her name.”

Hemp is the youngest outfield player in Sarina Wiegman’s Euros squad and just three