A FOOTBALL agent who has been in the industry for more than 20 years has been made an MBE.

Mother-of-two Rachel Anderson was recognised for services to gender equality in football.

On hearing the news, Rachel Anderson said: “It was a surprise. I am used to getting things for other people, not for myself.

“When I got the letter through the post I initially thought it was a parking ticket, you don’t get many letters through the door. It was a big shock.

“I found out three or four weeks ago and it has really been a test of biting my tongue. It was very difficult not being able to tell my family and friends.

“Every year brings a different highlight but I especially enjoy mentoring. I always learned from my elders and now I am in that position.”

In 1994, Ms Anderson sued the players’ union for sex discrimination after being banned from the men only annual Professional Footballers’ Association awards dinner for the second year in a row.

The case went to the High Court and Ms Anderson was victorious.

She said: “I didn’t expect to not win the case. I never realised there was so much sexism around and it was so entrenched.

“Young females have no idea how different it was 20 years ago. It is because of people like my mother and other great women that we can do the things we take for granted now.

“I am really proud of myself, it is quite apt receiving the honour for the Queen’s 90th birthday, she is an amazing woman.”