Lioness Nikita Parris backed by LJMU at Euro 2022

As the UEFA Women’s Euro tournament kicks off at Old Trafford on 6 July 2022, LJMU is backing host team England as former LJMU Sport Scholar Nikita Parris will play in the squad.

The Lionesses forward graduated from her sport development degree in 2018 – impressing her mentors and peers alike with her ability to balance academic life with her sporting commitments and gruelling training routine.

Dave McDermott, Head of Elite Sport & Athlete Management and Sport Scholarship Manager, said: “Wishing Nikita all the best in this year European Championships. It is fantastic to see her as an established England Lioness for many years. I remember her arriving at LJMU as part of the TASS scheme at 17-years-old as an Everton youth player. Nikita had not thought about going to university until she had attended her strength and conditioning sessions at LJMU, which triggered her interest in university life, while playing professional football. Fast forward three years and she graduated, while progressing in her football career and is now a household name in the football world.” 

Toxteth born Parris, now 28, is certainly no stranger to sporting success for her national team. She helped them to reach the semi-final of Euro 2017 and a fourth-place finish in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as well as playing in the squad to win its first ever SheBelieves Cup in 2019.

The whole LJMU family is backing Parris and hoping to see England lift the trophy at Wembley Stadium on 31 July.

Another player who didn’t get named for the Lionesses squad this time was fellow LJMU Sport Scholar Niamh Charles. Niamh did however beat Nikita’s team (Arsenal) to the Women’s Super League victory earlier this year, in her position as winger with Chelsea.

Feeling inspired? Take a look at the current sports related courses on offer at LJMU.

You can also follow Nikita on Twitter to keep up with her Euro 2022 journey.

LJMU has supported more than 20 footballers who are playing in the women's professional leagues through the LJMU Elite Sport program and continue to work in partnership with Liverpool and Everton academies as part of their dual career program.