Lionesses Euro 2025 win fuels record-breaking growth across women’s and girls’ football | OneFootball

The FA has provided an update on the progress made across its women’s and girls’ football strategy, Reaching Higher, since it launched in October 2024.

The first year of the strategy has aligned with an unforgettable chapter in the sport’s history, marked by unprecedented success on and off the pitch. Including a tournament win on foreign soil to record levels of participation in grassroots football.

One of the four key priorities outlined by the strategy was to win a major tournament, which the Lionesses did in style. The girls secured their second consecutive UEFA Women’s EURO title in Switzerland, becoming the first England senior team to win a major tournament overseas. More than 15 million people tuned in to watch the Lionesses make history.

Their victory sparked immediate growth back in England, with a 196 percent increase in searches for female football playing opportunities the day after the Euros final.

Five months later, the impact still drives change across the game.

Participation has continued to climb, with engagement levels now 5 percent higher than before the tournament. Growth has also extended beyond players as the number of female coaches has increased by 12 percent, and female referees by 29 percent compared to last year.

Equal access to football

One of the core pillars of Reaching Higher, which was ensuring equal access to football for girls, has achieved a major milestone three years ahead of schedule.

Originally aimed at 2028, the target was for 90 percent of schools to offer girls equal access to football through PE lessons at Key Stages 2 and 3. This has already been met and now 2.6 million girls have equal opportunities to play football during PE lessons, representing a 31 percent increase since the 2020/21 season.

The Made For This Game campaign made it possible to reach this target. Launched earlier this year, the programme tackles barriers which might inhibit women and girls from becoming involved with the game.

It shows every woman and girl, regardless of their age, ability or background, that they belong in football. Whether that’s playing, coaching, refereeing or volunteering.

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Growing the football pyramid

Another key aim of the strategy was to improve the level of competitiveness across every level.

The FA Women’s National League has hugely benefitted from this. 100 percent of the clubs competing in the league have achieved a ‘safe to operate’ standard. While more than 240,000 supporters attended WNL fixtures throughout the season, highlighting major growth at every level.

Meanwhile, the Adobe Women’s FA Cup secured its first standalone broadcast deal, with television coverage extending from the First Round Proper onwards for the first time.

‘There is so much to be proud of this year – but no room for complacency’

Sue Day, Director of Women’s Football & Para Football at The FA, said: “2025 will be remembered as a historic year for women’s sport. The Lionesses once again captured the nation’s hearts when they became back-to-back European Champions in Basel. That victory has ignited something powerful, strengthening a special connection with fans and driving more women and girls than ever before to play, coach, referee and “et involved in football.

“With record levels of participation in schools and clubs, there is so much to be proud of this year – but no room for complacency. We must use this momentum to drive the game forward. It’s up to all of us to keep building on the legacy of the Lionesses, ensuring the game continues to thrive for generations to come.”

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