How England Women Have Helped Break Down Barriers
England teammates and Women’s EURO 2022 winners Lotte Wubben-Moy and Alex Greenwood are giving back to the game through their unique initiatives, blending football, creativity, and mentorship to ensure young women have access to sport and an outlet to express themselves.
Women’s sport is finally beginning to claim the place in society that it justly deserves. Sparked by the Lionesses’ history-making performance in the 2022 Euros and the 2023 World Cup, women’s football in particular is thriving – on the pitch; in the stands; and in our living rooms.
Since our partnership began in 2021, audiences for the Women’s Super League (WSL) have quadrupled, with peak viewership in last season’s final game up 66 per cent compared to the previous year.
Just over 50 years ago, women were banned from playing football in this country – and England’s Euros win will help break down more barrier.
When defender Lotte Wubben-Moy signed her contract extension with Arsenal in 2022, she made an unusual request. Instead of focusing solely on her playing terms, she asked to establish a programme at the Community Hub at Emirates Stadium.
Chloe Kelly deserved her moment celebrating scoring the winning goal. As she ran around Wembley in her sports bra, she represented everything that football should be about: freedom, excitement, elation, celebration. The beauty of the game is universal.
The many that came before them helped to pave the way and make that moment possible. In truth, they all deserve a winners medal, too. But now, it’s time to look forward. Millions of young girls and boys across the country will feel inspired to get out and play football, so let’s encourage them to do so. No barriers should exist.
The rise and rise of women’s football coincides with the return of Liverpool Women to the Women’s Super League. They can’t afford to sit still, and have begun to bring in new signings and tie down key players. Captain Niamh Fahey signed a new contract this week, Dutch winger and hugely popular player Shanice van de Sanden is returning to the Reds, and a second season with manager Matt Beard is guaranteed.
Now, the task is to keep them there. They’ll need all of our support to give them the best chance of doing so. The derby is being played at Anfield on the 25th September, so get yourself a ticket. Give just one WSL game a go, and if (or when) you enjoy it, take a friend with you to the next one.
