On the 31st July 2022, football came home. When the England Lionesses lifted the Euros trophy underneath the arches at Wembley, those decades, years of hurt (when women were banned from playing football) were – to a degree – healed.
The painful damage to the progress of women’s football has been apparent. Recent investment and strategic alignment has led to an accelerated improvement which in turn led to a historic 120 minutes and sporting immortality for a squad who made a nation proud.
But such sporting immortality is not achieved through personal performance. It is acheived through the performance of those whose journey started because of you. It’s reward for those who came before you.
Now, it’s time to focus upon the Lionesses’ legacy to ensure the triumph of our summer does not fade into a distant memory.
The largest European Championship crowd in history descended upon the home of English football just under a month ago. A home which fosters ambition to create a game for all. For 50 years, this was not the case.
Within days of making history, it was the squad themselves who determined what they want the legacy of their tournament to be. To start the journey for those who come next. Their aim and ask was clear.
Let girls play.
Only 63% of girls can play football in schools currently. That needs to change, and the resources are there to help make that happen.
Starting teams, creating an identity, building a brand and so on can feel quite intimidating. Research has shown women and young girls do have to overcome more barriers to be physically active. There is a huge gender gap between the number of men and women who exercise for the recommended amount of time each week.
The work building up to the Euros across the grassroots and professional game means we’re in a position to grasp this opportunity with the same clinical edge as Ella Toone. The support is there. The resource is there. The help is there.
Check out our Lets Girl Play guide to help you start. Begin the journey. Build the team. You’ll make the dreams of young Lionesses in your community come true.