Derby County Women’s Kira Rai Makes History with FA Women’s National League Plate Win

Kira Rai made history once again as she returned to Manchester and led Derby County Women to their first-ever national trophy, the FA Women’s National League Plate. In a dominant 3-0 victory over Cambridge United, Rai showcased her skills and determination on the pitch, proving her commitment to changing the landscape of English football.

The match saw Eleanor Ashton convert a penalty, captain Amy Sims score a second goal, and Emily Joyce seal the victory with a thunderous strike. Rai, who has been with Derby County for 15 years, played a crucial role in the team’s success and became the first player from the club to be booked in a major women’s cup final.

Head coach Sam Griffiths expressed her hopes that this trophy win would be a catalyst for long-term progress for the Ewe Rams in the seasons to come. Rai, in an interview with Sky Sports News, expressed her pride in being part of a squad that made history for Derby County and thanked all those who paved the way for their success.

Rai’s impact goes beyond the pitch, as she has been actively involved in initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in women’s football. From presenting awards at the Asian Media Awards to launching the Seeing is Believing girls’ football initiative, Rai continues to be a trailblazer in the sport.

Her journey, along with other South Asian heritage players, is celebrated in a unique exhibition showcasing their contributions to the English game. Rai hopes that her story will inspire the next generation of talented girls from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams in football.

As Rai and her teammates bask in the glory of their historic win, the football world looks forward to witnessing the continued rise of British South Asians in the sport. For more inspiring stories and features, visit Sky Sports’ South Asians in Football page and stay tuned for more updates on their journey.