Lionesses’ ‘could tranform gender equality in exercise for generation of girls,’ Sport England boss says

Sport England’s boss believes the Lionesses‘ achievements in the World Cup could ”transform gender equality” in sport and exercise for a generation of girls

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has pledged to increase ”women and girls’ access” to the sport with a £300 million investment in grassroots football and multi-sport facilities across the UK by 2025.

It has also promised to invest more than £600 million in school sport to ensure girls’ equal access to sports in 90% of schools by 2024.

Former England midfielder Jill Scott opened the first of 23 grassroots facilities named in honour of the Euro 2022-winning squad in February year, with semi-final goalscorer Ella Toone following suit in May.

Tim Hollingsworth, CEO of Sport England, said there has been “enormous strides in the grassroots game” over the past few years, and 100,000 more girls are playing football now than in 2017, according to the organisation’s research.

He said England’s Lionesses, who face Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final after winning Euro 2022, and the funding could help girls have the same rights as boys in sport.

Mr Hollingworth said: “A year on from becoming European champions, their achievements down under at the World Cup have the potential to transform gender equality in physical activity for a generation of girls.

“We’re investing over £26 million of funding to the FA between 2022 and 2027, and supporting Squad, a new recreational offer for teenage girls aimed at filling the gap in provision for 12 to 14-year-olds; so that more girls are given the opportunity to play football and enjoy the beautiful game.

“The future for women’s football really does look bright but it must also be diverse, which is why we’ve provided over £2 million to create an inclusive and accessible talent pathway, to help ensure that future national squads are representative of the population and the very best they can be.

But he added work still needs be done to inspire them to do physical activity

Mr Hollingworth said: “The real turning point will come, however, if we truly tackle the barriers that hold girls back from taking part in sport and exercise, and we’re doing all we can to achieve this.”

Additional reporting by Press Association.