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The Lionesses are celebrating a significant £30 million contribution from the government and Football Association. This funding will prioritize providing opportunities for thousands of women and girls in England to participate in football.
The recent promise upholds the Lionesses’ previous commitment made after their victory at the 2022 Euros, and includes plans to construct around 30 top-notch fields throughout the nation.
The upcoming amenities will have a focus on accommodating women’s and girls’ teams. They will also include designated time slots during peak hours and evenings exclusively for women and girls.
Lucy Frazer, the secretary of culture, declared the news to the team of Lionesses at St George’s Park before their important matches in the Nations League against the Netherlands and Scotland this week.
After winning the Euros, the Lionesses have made a promise to utilize their influence to advocate for equal opportunities for girls in school to play football. Despite reaching the World Cup final this year, the team continues to strive towards ensuring that their successes are met with tangible efforts off the field.
“I am extremely proud,” stated Lucy Bronze, with 116 games under her belt for the Lionesses. “It’s heartwarming to know that others have faith in us just as much as we do in ourselves. The government’s decision to invest a significant amount of money shows the impact we have made not only on the field, but also for women across the nation.”
“I believe our team’s achievements have given us a voice and a platform. We have consistently expressed our desire to use this platform for good and to spread a message, which is exactly what we did after the Euros and continue to do so.”
Lucy Bronze praised the announcement.
As a team and as individuals, we are aware of the strength we possess. It is incredible that people are paying attention and that we have the ability to make a positive impact. Our goal is to maintain this momentum and we value the legacy we will leave behind in the game that means so much to us.
Bronze emphasized the significance of priority access, stating that it has been a recurring issue in the past. Many players, particularly female players, have experienced being overlooked in favor of adult or male teams. The fact that women and girls are now being prioritized with these pitches is incredible.
Not only does it provide players with opportunities, but it also boosts their confidence to know that there are people who care about them. This shows respect and confidence in the fact that football is for everyone, including girls and women. They are not in second place, but rather on the same level as everyone else.
After the statement was made, the culture secretary praised the Lionesses for their exceptional abilities and notable achievements. The team’s win at the Euros captured the attention of the country and their advancement to the World Cup final boosted national morale.
“During the World Cup, I pledged to do everything in my power to support women and girls’ football, ensuring that future generations can witness our Lionesses’ triumph on the global stage. Today, The FA and I are announcing a £30 million fund to ensure that young girls have equal opportunities to participate in sports.”
Source: independent.co.uk
