The importance of football for girls

For many young girls, they are now able to see a world in football where they are accepted and welcomed with open arms, regardless of their gender. There are many opportunities to learn, develop and grow, and most importantly have fun! Having positive experiences from an early age provides young girls with a platform to learn new things, and feel safe when out of their comfort zone. Enabling young girls to develop their confidence and self-belief through football, not only allows them to enjoy the sport more, but it also develops their skills for life and provides a positive platform to grow as people, and not just footballers.

As a result of women's football now being recognised globally, young girls have many role models to look up to across the sport they love. Some are footballers, coaches and referees, and others may work behind the scenes, however together they can inspire young girls across the world to continuously work hard whilst they are young, in order to one day follow in their footsteps and become role models to others when they are older. Providing females with a variety of role models reassures them that football can be a positive place to dedicate their time and energy at a young age, due to the ever-growing opportunities the game now provides and will provide in the future.

Whilst clear differences still exist between the total amount of players and coaches based off their gender, the platform in which females can now play football professionally, make a sustainable career from working within football, or even be a fan obtaining a season ticket to spectate women’s games, shows how much growth and development there has been in the last 10 years. This will only continue to grow! Therefore, gaining access to girl’s football at the earliest moment, allows for a greater and more positive journey through the game, enabling more career opportunities in the future.