As England’s Lionesses lifted the UEFA Women’s Euro trophy for the second time in three years, Lucy Bronze sent a message along with her celebration.
“This is for the little girls watching at home.”
The win back in 2022 was a watershed moment, sparking a surge in women’s football participation across England. According to the Football Association, more than 100,000 girls joined local football clubs in the year following that tournament—a 17% increase in female youth participation.
At the heart of this growth is grassroots football—community and school programs like Let Girls Play and the Barclays Girls' School Partnerships have expanded, with over 9,000 schools now providing equal football access for girls.
The Women’s Super League also continues to grow, with the 2023/24 season recording a record 1.2 million in attendance, underlining the rising popularity of the women’s game.
Crucially, this second consecutive Euro win helps sustain the momentum from 2022, proving that the success wasn’t a one-off and keeping public and institutional support high during a pivotal time for investment and development.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
What did captain Leah Williamson say?
England captain Leah Williamson, sidelined through injury during Euro 2025, highlighted the broader impact:
“It’s not just the medal—it’s what this team makes little girls believe they can do.”
Government support for women’s football has also increased, with funding roughly doubling since 2022, aimed at expanding access and facilities nationwide.
While challenges like funding disparities and uneven access remain, the cultural momentum behind women’s football is undeniable.
The Lionesses’ back-to-back European titles aren’t just trophies—they’re symbols of opportunity, belief, and change.
England Lionesses news and related links
- Chloe Kelly career redemption: How star became England Lionesses' hero again after Euro 2022 heroics and Man City struggles
- Celebrate from your sofa: How to watch The Lionesses' Euro 2025 victory parade live today
- Lionesses' victory parade: Route, times & how to join London's Euro 2025 party today