Sport England has awarded £1m of National Lottery funding to England’s hosting of the UEFA European Women’s Championship in 2022 (WEURO2022) with a view to increasing the number of adult women playing football in England.
In keeping with Sport England’s continued commitment to women’s and girls’ sport, the investment will support the development of local plans within the proposed EURO 22 host cities: London, Trafford, Manchester, Sheffield, Rotherham, Milton Keynes, Wigan & Leigh, Brighton & Hove and Southampton.
Eight Host City Legacy Groups have been established with key partners from Football, Local Authorities, Active Partnerships, Education, Public Health and Culture coming together to work towards a common EURO 2022 Legacy Plan. These groups will be awarded approximately £100,000 to create a recreational women’s football offer in each of the nine host cities – currently being reconfirmed to deliver the tournament – so that when EURO 22 arrives the right opportunities and structures are in place to capitalise on anticipated interest.
Councillor Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Leisure at Sheffield City Council, said: “This is fantastic news for women’s football not only here in Sheffield, but across our nation. The UEFA Women’s EURO2022 will undoubtedly lift the women’s game, with some of the world’s best sportswomen and role models inspiring women and girls right here in our home stadiums.
“In recent years the women’s game has grown in Sheffield and there are already many women and girls who are passionate about the sport. Through this funding we can turn that inspiration and passion in to real lasting legacy, and create opportunities to strengthen women’s grassroots football across South Yorkshire. We look forward to working with UEFA, The FA, Sport England and our Legacy Group to maximise those opportunities within our communities.”
The offer will include female activation in the regions to support new playing opportunities, with this being led by female ‘Playmakers’ following The FA’s new entry level course aimed at getting more volunteers into grassroots football in a safe and welcoming way.
The investment will also pilot a new programme in each of the host cities to explore whether parents and carers attending The FA’s Wildcats sessions, aimed at girls aged 5-11, have a desire to take part in adult sessions that would run simultaneously alongside the Wildcats sessions.
