Football victory of the Lionesses transcends the sport - I witnessed its profound impact in my living room last night
Last night, the UEFA Women's Euro semi-final match between England and Italy took centre stage, with the Lionesses securing a thrilling 2-1 victory. For one family, this match was more than just a game; it was a testament to the growing prominence of women's sports and a source of inspiration for their 11-year-old daughter, who aspires to become a professional footballer.
The author, a proud supporter of the Lionesses, shared that her husband mentioned the match as the first topic of conversation this morning. The match's excitement was palpable, with key players like Kelly, Lucy Bronze, and Ella Toone delivering outstanding performances. The grandparents of the author's daughter were also glued to the action, texting for England to call her up to play.
The author believes that the match is a powerful symbol of how much has changed in the prominence of women's sports. She takes the message from the match as "What we can see, we can be," emphasising the impact of representation on empowerment. This sentiment is echoed by studies that show high-profile events like Euro 2025 and media coverage make female footballers more visible, boosting girls' belief in their own athletic potential.
The author's daughter, who is football-mad, has found important role models in the Lionesses. She listens to their podcast regularly and believes that women are built for last-minute wins, referencing England's victory. This belief is reinforced by the mental benefits of exercise and representation for girls' self-esteem, often underestimated but crucial in encouraging active participation.
Unfortunately, 26% of girls still cite a lack of female role models as a barrier to excelling in sports. However, campaigns such as the FA’s "Made for This Game" and "Inspiring Positive Change" focus on equal access from primary school age, expanding pathways for girls in football. Clubs now prioritise female player development from young ages and provide specialized coaching, encouraging consistent participation.
Despite progress, issues like gender-based violence and the need for further equality remain, requiring continued protection policies and investment to sustain growth in female sports participation. Nevertheless, the impact of the Lionesses on the author's daughter and countless others serves as a reminder of the transformative power of women's football.
According to Women in Sport UK, 59% of girls were inspired to do more sports and exercise due to the 2023 Women's World Cup. The author's daughter expressed a preference for England's victory over her own team's success in a big tournament they were playing, underscoring the passion and dedication that women's football is instilling in a new generation.
The author's 18-year-old son and his girlfriend watched the match with the family, marking the first time most of the family had gathered to watch football together. This shared experience not only brought the family closer but also demonstrated the growing appeal of women's football, bridging generational gaps and uniting people in support of this inspiring movement.
- The author's husband, impressed by the UEFA Women's Euro semi-final match, discussed it as the first topic of conversation this morning.
- The Lionesses' outstanding performances, from players like Kelly, Lucy Bronze, and Ella Toone, added to the excitement of the match.
- During the match, the author's grandparents texted, hopeful that their granddaughter would get a call to play for England.
- The author sees the match as a symbol of the growing prominence of women's sports, emphasizing the power of representation for girls' empowerment.
- The author's daughter, inspired by the Lionesses, listens to their podcast and believes that women are built for last-minute victories, like England's in the match.
- Campaigns like the FA’s "Made for This Game" and "Inspiring Positive Change" focus on providing equal access to sports for girls, helping to cultivate football talents from a young age.
