Belles chief executive Russ Green has congratulated Gill Coultard after she was awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours List.
Gill was recognised for her achievements in football, which saw her earn more than 100 England caps over a 24-year playing career with the Belles after joining the club when she was just 13.
Russ said: "Gill is someone I've known for donkeys years, she used to work for me in a sports shop in Castleford when she was first starting out and it was always clear she would go on to do big things in the game.
"She was destined to become an icon in football and her association with the Belles is one of the reasons I was so keen to get involved in the club. She continues to inspire me now.
"Her record speaks for itself - to play for us for so long is impressive, but to combine that with such success at club and international level and to captain both sides is incredible. And all as an amateur player.
"We're very proud of our history at the Belles and Gill played a huge part in those two titles and six FA Women's Cup wins, and so much more. Everyone associated with the Belles today is aware we are following in the footsteps of people like Gill who led the way for all of us."