The landscape of women’s football in England is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by a wave of inspiration and sustained investment. Recent data reveals a powerful trend: over 100,000 more girls are now playing football in formal settings compared to just five years ago, signaling a new era for the sport.
This surge is part of a broader recovery in children’s activity levels, which have finally rebounded to pre-pandemic numbers. However, the most compelling story is found in the specific growth of girls’ football, a testament to the lasting impact of elite success on grassroots participation.
Unveiling the Numbers: A Nation Gets Active
The latest Active Lives Children and Young People survey paints an encouraging picture. Overall, 3.4 million children (47.2%) are now meeting the chief medical officer’s recommended 60 minutes of daily activity. This marks a significant recovery, with 219,000 more children classified as active compared to the 2020-21 period.
The most striking figure, however, is the 777,000 girls who played football in a formal setting during the survey week. This represents a massive jump from the 669,000 recorded in 2017-18. Furthermore, informal participation has also skyrocketed, with 200,000 more girls kicking a ball for fun since 2017. Crucially, this survey was conducted before the Lionesses’ historic Euros victory, suggesting the current numbers could be even higher.
Addressing the Persistent Gaps: Inequality in Activity
Despite the positive overall trend, the data underscores persistent inequalities that need addressing. A noticeable gender gap remains, with 50% of boys meeting the daily activity target compared to 45% of girls.
Socioeconomic factors also play a significant role. The survey found that 52% of children from the most affluent families are classed as active, a figure that drops to 42% for those from less affluent backgrounds. While activity levels for most ethnic groups have recovered to pre-pandemic levels, the proportion of active Black boys remains 7.7% lower than in 2018-19, and the largest gender gap (10%) is observed among Asian children.
Sports minister Stuart Andrew acknowledged the progress but emphasized the need for continued effort: “It is very encouraging to see a surge of children returning to enjoy the benefits of physical activity… But I am clear that more still needs to be done. We are investing £230m in grassroots facilities and developing a bold new sports strategy to ensure every child has access.”
From International Glory to Domestic Boom: The WSL Attendance Revolution
The ripple effect from the Euros triumph is most visibly felt in the domestic professional league. The Women’s Super League (WSL) is experiencing an unprecedented boom, with attendances up a staggering 200 per cent from the same period last year.
Kelly Simmons, Director of the Women’s Professional Game, hailed the record-breaking first half of the season. “The Lionesses’ victory propelled the women’s game in this country to new levels,” she stated. “I am delighted to reveal that we have seen almost 300,000 spectators attend WSL matches, averaging almost 6,000 fans a week. This just highlights how much appetite there is for world-class women’s league football.”
This growth isn’t limited to the top tier. The Barclays Women’s Championship has also seen its average attendance increase by over 85%, proving the demand for women’s football is deep and widespread.
Expert Insight: Sustaining the Momentum
The challenge now is to convert this surge in interest into long-term, sustainable growth. Jw7 sports analyst, Mark Richardson, notes, “The data is incredibly promising, but the real work begins now. The infrastructure must keep pace with this demand. We need more qualified coaches, accessible facilities, and continued visibility for female athletes to ensure every girl who wants to play, can.”
Tim Hollingsworth, Chief Executive of Sport England, echoes this sentiment, focusing on inclusivity: “We will advocate for children facing inequalities to be given a voice in decisions which affect their experiences to help ensure that those experiences are positive.”
Girls’ Football Participation Soars: A Lasting Legacy
The dramatic rise in girls playing football is more than a statistic; it’s a cultural shift. It’s a story of how success on the international stage, combined with strategic investment and a growing appreciation for the women’s game, is breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities. The foundations laid by the Lionesses are being built upon every week in parks, schools, and packed stadiums across the country. The future of English football is not just bright; it is increasingly female.
What has your experience been with the growth of women’s football? Have you attended a WSL match or noticed more opportunities for girls to play in your local community? Share your thoughts and experiences with Jw7 in the comments below and join the conversation.
