Women's and girls' football to get long-term boost after Euros triumph

s300 Lionesses outside 10 Downing Street

  • New Women’s Sport Taskforce to lead a decade of change through to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035
  • Announcement follows England heroes attending champions’ reception at No10 Downing Street, and comes ahead of homecoming event in London today

Priority access to grassroots football pitches for women and girls is to be more than doubled, as part of a series of plans announced by the Government to honour the success of the Lionesses. 

As part of its Plan for Change, the Government is announcing new plans that are expected to more than double the share of primetime slots dedicated to women’s and girls’ teams at Government-funded facilities across England over the next five years, with a clear long-term target of reaching equal access as demand grows. 

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will also honour the team’s second consecutive UEFA European Championship title by dedicating flagship sites and pitches to the Lionesses, celebrating their journeys from grassroots to international success.

These moves are the first details set out on how some of the Government’s £400 million investment in new grassroots facilities, announced in June 2025, will be allocated to inspire more people to enjoy the benefits of sport and physical activity. 

Read the whole story

 

What's new

Funding

Have your say on the future of National Lottery funding

The Government issued Call for Evidence on the future of The National Lottery Promotions Unit…

24 Sept 2026

Major boost for grassroots sport in West Yorkshire as £9.6m…

Sport and physical activity in Leeds has been strengthened by the opening of a multi-million pound…

23 Sept 2026

Campaigns

Celebrating women who found the confidence to be active

For many women, the biggest barrier to exercise isn't always ability. It's the fear of judgment.

21 Sept 2026

Read more news, funding, jobs, courses and events