2022 UEFA European Women’s Football Championship and participation of girls and young women in sport

A Westminster Hall debate has been scheduled for Wednesday 9 November 2022 on the 2022 UEFA European Women’s Football Championship and the participation of girls and young women in sport. The debate is in the name of Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat).

UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 was won by England’s Lionesses after a 2-1 victory over Germany in the final at Wembley Stadium. The final was viewed by a record 87,192 fans at Wembley and 17.4 million people at home.

The Lionesses’ victory has prompted discussion about the participation of girls and young women in sport. Broadly, these responses have focused on two areas:

1. access to football coaching in school PE lessons.
2. availability of pitches and facilities. This includes the potential impact of school playing field sales and safety concerns linked to accessing community grassroots facilities.

The Football Association (FA) is the governing body for the game in England. Its plans to increase participation amongst women and girls include ensuring equal access to football coaching for girls in 90% of schools by 2024.

In September 2022, the Government announced a Future of Women’s Football review. The review’s call for evidence will close on 1 November 2022 and its report is due to be published early next year.