Yesterday, Sunday 20 August 2023, England fell short to Spain in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Final in Sydney. The European champions lost by a single goal, but their journey to the final was watched by millions and inspired girls and boys across the country. Girls United Founder & CEO, Romina Calatayud gives her thoughts on what the legacy of this tournament could and should be:
“Regardless of today’s result, the Lionesses have to be so proud of what they achieved. To follow up on last year’s success with a World Cup Final is testament to the talent and hard work from everyone involved. They’ve given girls and young women across the country the right to dream and it’s up to us to give them the opportunities to make those dreams a reality.
“Last summer’s European Championships sent waves of positivity across the country and inspired more girls to seek out football than ever before. The demand for football in schools and grassroots sessions had never been greater, but it took the Lionesses demanding that girls be granted the right to play for there to be change. Despite steps being taken and funding being secured, still only 40% of girls have access to equal play.
“Whilst there may have been record attendances and viewing figures through the roof at the highest level, we need to make sure we don’t fall into the “trickle down” trap and leave the grassroots behind. The grassroots feed directly into all aspects of the game and provide sustainability.
“This European Championship and World Cup cycle can be a turning point for women’s football in England and we are all responsible in making sure that it does truly impact every girl. This is exactly what we will continue to work for, removing the barriers that still stand between girls and accessing football sessions as freely as boys do.
“Block bookings, travel distances, the lack of appropriate changing facilities and schools still restricting football sessions to boys only, all still exist and still heavily affect the number of girls not only playing football but remaining in sport throughout vital development years. These need to be addressed and remain at the forefront of any discussions around the legacy of the tournament.”