Spurs launched Legacy Numbers for the women’s team today. These are individual numbers dedicated to each player who has made a competitive appearance for the club.
The men’s side introduced the concept back in 2023. Numbers are assigned to those who made a senior competitive appearance, starting in 1894. As part of the “one club, two sides” approach Tottenham say there are following, female players are getting the same. The club collated and supporters group verified appearance records in order to do this.
As with the men, individual Legacy Numbers will now appear on the players’ match shirts, starting with the game against West Ham on Sunday. In a nice bit of serendipity, the match from which they are being assigned was also against West Ham, back in 2011. This took place in the Women’s Premier League Southern Division, marking the team’s arrival in the national league pyramid.
Joanne Ayre has the honour of having Legacy Number 1. The latest recipient of one was latest Hanna Wijk. She received Legacy Number 183 following her debut against Leicester City in the Women’s FA Cup on January 18, 2026.
New players will be assigned theirs once they make their debut. Those making debuts in the same match, or coming on as substitutes in the same minute, have numbers assigned in alphabetical order.
Other Ways to Mark History
Of course, the Tottenham Hotspur Women story does not really start in 2011. Broxbourne Ladies, from which the team developed, was founded in 1985. The club says it will provide non-numerical recognition to key figures from that history.
Kate Miller, the club’s chief communications officer, said: “Our ‘One Club, Two Teams’ approach is about ensuring the history, identity and future of Tottenham Hotspur is shared across both our Men’s and Women’s teams. Introducing Legacy Numbers for our Women’s team is an important expression of that commitment, creating a permanent connection between the players who have represented the Club and the generations who will follow. It recognises the contribution of those who have worn our colours, celebrates the journey of the Women’s team, and reflects our ambition to continue building one Spurs story across both teams.”
Spurs Introduce Legacy Numbers to WSL
Tottenham are the first WSL club to introduce Legacy Numbers. While it is easy, and perhaps right, to dismiss things like this as a PR move, I rather like it. It honours the history and the development of Spurs Women. There was life before the WSL, with lots of amazing women involved in getting things to where they are today. It is right to remember that. Legacy Numbers also remind players they are part of something bigger.
Jenna Schillaci, Legacy Number 10, is one such legendary figure. She made her debut in 2000 aged 16. She went on to captain the side as it was promoted to the WSL in 2019. Schillaci said that “it is a proud moment to see Tottenham Hotspur recognise the players who have been part of the incredible journey of our women’s team in this way.” The former skipper added: “Every player has contributed to the story of the Club, and Legacy Numbers are a meaningful way to honour that history while inspiring the players who will wear the shirt in the future.”