The Lionesses call on the UK Government to make football accessible to girls in all schools

August 3 - The Lionesses of England have written an open letter to the UK's next Prime Minister - Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss - calling for more women's football in schools, but there are fears the new government will neglect the legacy of the new European champions.

England clinched the European Championship on Sunday, beating Germany 2-1 at a packed Wembley, prompting the team to write an impassioned letter to stress that 'this is the start'.
But the government's response has been less than encouraging in terms of making the game available to all girls in all schools nationwide.

“Currently, only 63% of girls can play football in physical education classes. The reality is that we encourage young girls to play football, only for many of them end up going to school and can't play,” the Lionesses wrote.

"It's something we all experienced growing up. We were often prevented from playing. So we created our own teams, we traveled around the country and despite the obstacles, we continued to play at the football.

"Women's football has come a long way. But there is still a long way to go.

“We call on you and your government to ensure that all girls have access to at least two hours of physical education per week. Not only should we offer football to all girls, but we also need to invest in and support physical education teachers.

“Their role is crucial and we need to empower them to deliver women's football sessions. They are key role models from which so many young girls can thrive.”

The letter called for investment in women's football in schools "so that every girl has a choice".

The government has however said that school girls will not be guaranteed the same football lessons as boys. Only 44% of secondary schools offer the same football lessons to girls and boys in the UK.

Contact the author of this story at moc.l1659622755labto1659622755ofdlr1659622755owedi1659622755sni@i1659622755tnuk.1659622755ardni1659622755mas1659622755

Sports Aug 4, 2022 0 72 Add to Reading List

August 3 - The Lionesses of England have written an open letter to the UK's next Prime Minister - Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss - calling for more women's football in schools, but there are fears the new government will neglect the legacy of the new European champions.

England clinched the European Championship on Sunday, beating Germany 2-1 at a packed Wembley, prompting the team to write an impassioned letter to stress that 'this is the start'.

But the government's response has been less than encouraging in terms of making the game available to all girls in all schools nationwide.

“Currently, only 63% of girls can play football in physical education classes. The reality is that we encourage young girls to play football, only for many of them end up going to school and can't play,” the Lionesses wrote.

"It's something we all experienced growing up. We were often prevented from playing. So we created our own teams, we traveled around the country and despite the obstacles, we continued to play at the football.

"Women's football has come a long way. But there is still a long way to go.

“We call on you and your government to ensure that all girls have access to at least two hours of physical education per week. Not only should we offer football to all girls, but we also need to invest in and support physical education teachers.

“Their role is crucial and we need to empower them to deliver women's football sessions. They are key role models from which so many young girls can thrive.”

The letter called for investment in women's football in schools "so that every girl has a choice".

The government has however said that school girls will not be guaranteed the same football lessons as boys. Only 44% of secondary schools offer the same football lessons to girls and boys in the UK.

Contact the author of this story at moc.l1659622755labto1659622755ofdlr1659622755owedi1659622755sni@i1659622755tnuk.1659622755ardni1659622755mas1659622755