November 30 – A day after the English FA formally announced the breakaway of the top tier Women’s Super League, the governing body has announced a £30 million fund for grassroots women’s football in England.
It comes after the Lionesses’ success in reaching the World Cup final in August and winning Euro 2022.
The so-called Lionesses Futures Fund will provide 30 new 3G pitches and facilities prioritising women’s and girls’ teams across England. The UK Government is providing £25 million and the FA £5 million.
“We are super excited – after the Euros and the World Cup, we wanted to create a legacy,” England defender Lucy Bronze told the BBC.
“Having success as a team means we can push the game forward, not only at the professional level but all the way down and give back to young girls things we may not have had when we were growing up.
“I remember my first game, I had to get changed on my own because the only changing room was used by the boys. We want women to thrive, to be confident and having those facilities and accessibility will make a huge difference.”
Britain’s Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer announced the investment at a Lionesses training session before their Nations League match against the Netherlands at Wembley on Friday.
“During the World Cup I said that we would do everything possible to support women’s and girls’ football,” said Frazer.
“This is just the latest move in our commitment to invest in women and girls’ grassroots sport facilities, and ensure the squad’s legacy lives long into the future.”
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