In July 2022, England’s Lionesses captivated the nation by clinching the UEFA Women’s EURO title at Wembley Stadium. Their historic 2–1 victory over Germany, witnessed by a record 87,000 fans in the stadium and 17.4 million viewers on BBC One, marked a pivotal moment for women’s sport in the UK. Since then, the ripple effects have been profound, particularly for young women and girls.
A Surge in Participation
The Lionesses’ triumph ignited a surge in interest and participation in women’s football. Over the past four years, the number of women and girls playing football in England has increased by 56%. The number of women and girls’ football teams across England has more than doubled over the last seven years, with significant growth observed in the last three seasons.
Notably, football has overtaken netball as the most popular sport for girls in Britain. An additional 50,000 girls have taken up the sport, increasing football participation among girls under 18 to 16%, slightly surpassing netball at 15.4%.
Building Confidence and Community
The influence of the Lionesses extends beyond the pitch. Their success has provided young women with relatable role models, fostering increased confidence and ambition. The visibility of openly LGBT+ players has also contributed to greater inclusivity and acceptance within the sport.
Furthermore, the number of women and girls taking up coaching and refereeing has seen significant growth. Between 2020 and 2024, the number of female coaches being developed rose by 88%, while the number of female referees increased by 113%.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite these positive developments, challenges remain. Research indicates that England's Euro 2022 triumph had little impact on inner-city teenage girls, with 63% unable to name any of the Lionesses. Additionally, one in four teenage girls still never watch women's football, and only 17% are part of a club.
Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensuring that the benefits of the Lionesses’ success are felt across all communities. Efforts to provide equal access to football in schools and to promote the sport in underrepresented areas are essential steps forward.
A Lasting Legacy
The Lionesses’ victory has undeniably transformed the landscape of women’s football in the UK. Their success has inspired a generation, leading to increased participation, greater visibility, and a shift in societal perceptions of women in sport. As we look to the future, continued investment and inclusive initiatives will be key to sustaining this momentum and ensuring that every young woman has the opportunity to engage with the beautiful game.
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References
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Druthers Search. (2022). What the Lionesses' 2022 Women’s Euros victory means for women’s football and future generations. Retrieved from https://www.drutherssearch.com/insights/what-the-lionesses-2022-womens-euros-victory-means-for-women-football-and-future-generations/
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Wikipedia. (2022). UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Final. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Women%27s_Euro_2022_final
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The FA. (2024). Women and Girls’ Strategy Progress: Inspiring Positive Change. Retrieved from https://www.thefa.com/news/2024/sep/27/women-and-girls-stratgy-progress-inspiring-positive-change-20242709
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England Football. (2024). Women's and Girls' Football Participation Reported by County FAs. Retrieved from https://www.englandfootball.com/articles/2024/Feb/09/womens-girls-football-increased-numbers-reported-by-county-fas-20240902
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The Times. (2023). The Changing Face of Girls’ Sport in Britain: Netball Out, Football and Cricket In. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/sportswomen-of-the-year-girls-football-netball-9v22j7r6h
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Wikipedia. (2022). UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Women%27s_Euro_2022
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The Guardian. (2023). England’s Euro 2022 Triumph Had Little Impact on Inner-City Girls, Report Finds. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/11/englands-euro-2022-triumph-had-little-impact-on-inner-city-girls-report-finds
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The Guardian. (2024). Sue Campbell: 'After the Euros Win I Thought: How Many Girls Have We Lit a Light In Today?' Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/nov/02/sue-campbell-after-the-euros-win-i-thought-how-many-girls-have-we-lit-a-light-in-today
- TIME. (2024). How Women’s Soccer Exploded in Britain. Retrieved from https://time.com/6294722/womens-soccer-popularity-britain/
