The Queen has recognised a number of people in the world of women's sport in her 2016 New Year's Honours list. FA board member, Heather Rabbatts has been made a Dame, while Sports presenter Sue Barker has been awarded an OBE. Other notable honours are World Cup Bronze Medal winners Steph Houghton and Fara Williams and England Netball Coach Tracey Neville who will all receive an MBE.
Heather Rabbatts is possibly the most influential woman in English domestic football, given her position at the Football Association. In 2012, she became the first woman to be appointed a director at the FA and has subsequently campaigned at both the FA and FIFA on behalf of women in sport. Recently she has spoken out against the treatment of former Chelsea FC Doctor Eva Carneiro and resigned from FIFA's anti-discrimination taskforce following president Sepp Blatter's re-election in June. Previously awarded a CBE, she receives her damehood for public service and services to football and equality.