‘Hinderwell’s Beth Mead always had a football under her arm’

The North Yorkshire village where Beth Mead grew up erupted in celebrations on Sunday night after the Lioness became a two-time European champion.

The professional footballer, from Hinderwell near Whitby, claimed victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Final in Basel, alongside her England teammates.

Despite initial nerves during a nail-biting penalty shootout – in which Mead had to re-take her spot kick and it was saved by Spain’s goalkeeper – residents said they were “proud as punch” of her.

Her childhood coach, Philip Nedley, said the village was decked in flags ahead of the match, with local bars full to the brim of enthusiastic supporters.

“I’m still sort of on a high, I’m trying to get down,” he said.

“She hasn’t always been one of the starting players but she’s come on and made a difference each time.

“She brings a bit of experience now and a bit of aggression.”

Mr Nedley first coached Mead on the Hinderwell village team when she was just six years old and playing alongside the boys.

“I remember the size of her, she was knee-high to a grasshopper, she was so small,” he said.

“We were saying ‘she’s going to get hurt here because the boys might knock her about a bit’ but she gave as good as she got.

“She was so determined, it was such a breath of fresh air when she arrived.”

During the final, Mead took England’s first penalty after extra time but due to a double touch, she had to retake it.

Her second attempt was saved by Spanish goalkeeper Cata Coll.

“She looked so relieved when the penalty went in and I felt so sorry for her when she had to retake it,” Mr Nedley said.

“That pressure must have been immense.”

Landlord of The Brown Cow Pub in Hinderwell, Mark Yeoman, said he had “no fingernails left” after the final, which people gathered in his bar to watch.

“I put an extra telly in the lounge area and I had an absolutely cracking turnout, a really good pub full,” he said.

“Obviously, we were cheering our heads off and I got everybody in the pub a shot.”

Mr Yeoman has known Mead since she was a toddler and his son went to Oakridge School with her.

“Even back then she always had an England strip on and a football under her arm,” he said.

“She would absolutely run rings around all the other kids.

“I am so proud of her, absolutely proud as punch of her, she’s inspiring another generation now.”