Sue Hough has spoken of her “surprise and delight” at being named in the New Year Honours List this week.
The FA’s Chair of the Women’s Committee receives an MBE for her services to women’s and disability football, joining England winger Rachel Yankey and former FA Chairman David Bernstein on the Honours List.
And despite working as part of The FA Council since 2000 and in her current position for the last four years, Hough admits the title still came as shock to her.
The FA's Sue Hough MBE.
“I’m delighted, surprised and very honoured,” revealed Hough.
“It was strictly private and confidential under 10pm on Monday night, so that was quite difficult to keep quiet from family, friends and work colleagues.
“When I got the letter, I just couldn’t believe it to be quite honest so I’m really, really pleased.
“Not just about getting the MBE, but because it’s also given two things such as disability and women’s football even more profile, so that’s great.”
Hough has helped to oversee many of the developments in the women’s game over her time with The FA, at both grassroots level and through to the international stage.
And with new England Women's manager Mark Sampson now in place to take the team into 2014, Hough is looking forward to further progression at all levels of the wopmen's game.
“Massive congrats to @rachelyankey11 OBE and Sue Hough, Chair of Women's Committee MBE”
@KellySimmo1 via Twitter FA Director Of National Game
“Over a period of many years, since The FA took over the administration of women’s football in 1993, it’s been on the up and up,” she added.
“We’re now looking forward to working with a new manager of the England Women’s team in Mark Sampson and seeing how that takes shape.
“I’m sure Mark will do a great job and we’re all looking forward to keeping the base of the pyramid solid with as many people playing football as possible.”
There were a number of other Honours in the New Year List for people involved in sport or football at all levels with MBEs for Terry John Cordery (Services to the Dorset Schools' Football Association), Jannette Mary Wood (Services to sports education), Jane Rachael Whetnall (Services to Disability Sport) and Beryl Horton (Voluntary service to Disability Sport).
And there were BEMs for vice-chair and coach of Concorde Rangers FC Jasvir Jassal (Voluntary service to community football), Dorothy Norton (Voluntary service to Stalybridge Celtic FC), Gwyn John (Voluntary services to Grassroots Football in Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan) and Alison Margaret Mackie (Services to Falkirk Ladies Football Team).
