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From Ayresome Park ball kid to a major force in women's football
The Gazette
|July 23, 2025
GEMMA Grainger celebrated her 43rd birthday on July 17. Born in Acklam and the proud owner of a Middlesbrough FC season ticket since the age of five, she's becoming internationally a household name.
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Gemma's dad, Robbie, played for Beechwood and Easterside and encouraged her to take up football, pool and darts. Proving to be most accurate on target with the foot, she made an impression on the pitch at an early age.
Part of the National Women's Academy, England's Ted Copeland spotted her leadership qualities.
The Ayresome Park ball kid was soon making an impact as a captain, striker, and coach.
Travelling around Teesside as part of Middlesbrough Football in the Community, Gemma's paths crossed with an eight-year-old from Hinderwell, named Beth Mead.
This story is from the July 23, 2025 edition of The Gazette.
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