The legacy of one of England’s most celebrated female footballers now has a permanent home in South Yorkshire’s school calendar.

The Karen Walker Shield, named after the former England captain and Dearne Valley native, debuted this year with eight primary schools in the Don and Dearne area battling for the title.

Brampton Ellis led the standings in impressive, unbeaten form, securing five wins and two draws to take their place in history as the competition’s first-ever champions.

Swinton Queen pipped Karen’s old school Goldthorpe to second place.

Held at Mexborough Athletic’s Fireparts Stadium in May, the tournament marked a new effort to expand girls’ football opportunities in the South Yorkshire area. Dubbed the Europa League of the schools’ tournaments, it’s a second-tier competition for schools who don’t qualify for the Don and Dearne Girls’ Cup.

As Karen Walker stepped onto the pitch to hand over a trophy bearing her name, it was more than a proud moment – it was a powerful message of the journey women and girls’ football has had since the England legend’s era.

When Mexborough-born Karen was a schoolgirl at Goldthorpe in the 1970s, she was the only girl who played football and wasn’t allowed to play in a boys’ team.

At 15, in 1985, she secured a place in the formidable Doncaster Belles squad. Just two seasons later and she was making her England debut against Italy in the Mundialito, scoring in her first kick of the game.

During her 15-year international career, Karen scored 41 goals in 86 appearances, a then record. She was captain at the same time as David Beckham, had more England caps than Gary Lineker, and scored more goals for her country than Michael Owen.

With her club, Doncaster Belles, with whom she played for almost 20 years, she became one of England’s fiercest forwards. She won five FA Cups, scored a hat-trick in every round of the FA Cup, and did the League and Cup double twice in ‘92 and ’94.

After a couple of seasons with Leeds United, Karen retired from football in 2006 and was inducted to the FA’s Hall of Fame the following year.

The Karen Walker Shield not only celebrates the achievements of this local football legend but also hopes to inspire the next generation of Lionesses.

In the other girls’ competition, the Don & Dearne Girls’ Cup, Carrfield Primary Academy became the fourth school to raise the cup four years after their vice principal started it.

Andy Morton launched the girls-only competition in 2022 for schools competing in the historic Totty Cup. This year, Morton’s girls went undefeated in the seven-team league. Runner up was Wath Our Lady & St. Josephs, and neighbours Wath C of E finished in third.