Empowering Girls Through Football: The FA's Success in School Access and Beyond
The Football Association has achieved its goal of providing equal access to football for girls aged seven to 14 in 90% of schools ahead of schedule. This milestone was part of the FA's strategic priorities outlined in its women's and girls' game strategy. The number of girls with access to football in Key Stages 2 and 3 has increased by 31% since the 2020/21 season, with 79% of schools now offering equal access to football across Key Stages 1-4.
The success of the Lionesses in retaining their Euros crown has led to a surge in demand from girls wanting to play football. The FA, in partnership with Barclays, has worked to provide equal access for girls to play football in schools through the Barclays Girls' Football in Schools program. The network has expanded by over 500% and now reaches 90% of eligible schools nationwide.
Barclays football ambassador Ian Wright expressed his delight at the progress made, emphasizing the importance of normalizing girls playing football and achieving equality in the sport. The FA aims to further increase opportunities for girls through extracurricular clubs at Key Stages 2 and 3, with a target of reaching 90% by 2028.
While progress has been made, there are still challenges at Key Stage 4, where barriers such as confidence and negative perceptions hinder teenage girls from participating in team sports. The FA is committed to ensuring that every girl has equal access to football at every stage of their education.
The Alessia Cup, launched in partnership with The Alessia Russo Foundation and Goals 4 Girls, aims to create lasting change by removing barriers to participation for girls aged 12 to 14. The tournament focuses on building confidence, resilience, and leadership skills beyond the pitch, highlighting the importance of keeping girls engaged in sport during adolescence.
In conclusion, the FA's efforts, in collaboration with partners like Barclays and Sky, have made significant strides in providing equal opportunities for girls to play football in schools. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done to ensure that every girl has the chance to enjoy the game they love and overcome barriers to participation.