The Women's Football World Cup acts as a powerful platform, showcasing the talent, diversity, and potential of women in football, and inspiring young girls to pursue their own dreams and passions within the sport.
The 2023 Women’s World Cup is about to kick-off, and its potential impact on the next generation and society could be greater than ever before. This event has the power to inspire countless young girls, encouraging them to pursue things they might previously have been told were out of reach.
This global tournament highlights the dedication, discipline, and hard work of young girls who are now participating in the year's premier football event. Their success poses a question: if they can realise their dreams and engage in the sports they love, why can't anyone else?
The Power of Representation
The upcoming tournament highlights the growing respect and recognition for women in sports, particularly football. The anticipation, media coverage, and overall excitement generated by this competition underscore the importance for young girls to see professional athletes like these in the limelight.
As these incredible athletes and role models display their skills and values, they can positively shape the future generation. With hopes that the 2023 Women's World Cup viewership will reach an unprecedented 2 billion globally, it could set a new world record, surpassing the 2019 Women's World Cup hosted in France which attracted 1.12 billion viewers.
Role Models in Women's Football
The concept of role models in sports, particularly women's football, is significant. Seeing women reach the pinnacle of their sporting careers, breaking barriers and setting records, is tremendously influential for young girls. It imparts a sense of potential and possibility - a clear indication that gender isn't a hindrance to reaching the top.
Such athletes exemplify grit, resilience, and a competitive spirit, proving that with hard work, skill, and determination, they can match - and sometimes exceed - their male counterparts' accomplishments. In this light, we'll explore some notable figures in women's football.
Celebrated Players
We'd like to spotlight a few of these remarkable athletes who serve as influential figures in women's football. For instance,
1. Sam Kerr, who recently bagged the PFA Player of the Year award for the 21/22 season, instrumental in Chelsea's WSL victory.
2. Lena Oberdorf's stellar performance won her the Fritz Walter Gold Medal in 2020, and she played a key role in Germany's Euro 2022 journey.
3. Lucy Bronze, often hailed as England's greatest, has a record of winning 4 championships with 4 clubs and led her nation to victory in the 2022 European Championship.
4. Lastly, Megan Rapinoe, a two-time World Cup champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, remains a strong inspiration for future football aspirants.
Inspiring Stories
The path to greatness in women's football is marked by inspiring stories of struggle, perseverance, and ultimately, triumph.
Let's turn our attention to one such athlete, Chloe Kelly. The youngest of seven siblings, Chloe found her love for football while playing with her five brothers in local cages in Ealing.
Her senior career took flight at Arsenal in 2015, leading her to play for Everton on a permanent basis in 2018, and later, a significant move to Manchester City in 2020. Chloe's consistent improvement and unwavering dedication is an indication of her desire to better herself. She carved her name in history in 2022 by scoring the winning goal off the bench in the Euro’s 2022 final, thus securing England their first major trophy.
Chloe's story illuminates how patience, being a team player, and making the most of opportunities can lead to extraordinary achievements..
The Rise of Women's Football
The rise in popularity and interest in Women’s Football is more noticeable than ever before. According to reports, 2022 was a record year with 37.7 million recorded viewers of Women’s football. This is underscored by the fact that 365 million people worldwide watched the 2022 Euro Championships, with 50 million individuals tuning in to watch England triumph over Germany in the final.
Since 2007, over 32,000 coaches have undergone training in 29 countries, leading to the introduction of 1.7 million individuals to football in their local areas.
With the continuous expansion of the Women’s Super League in England, and its exceptional community support, the global showcase of women in football is expected to rise further. As statistics show, with each passing year, the viewership and interest continues to trend upwards.
The Impact on Participation
Football now holds the title as the most participated sport among women and girls in England, as confirmed by the FA, with over 2.5 million registered players. This number signifies the significant impact of the sport and its role in addressing societal issues like gender equality.
A survey by Sport England indicates an increase of over 100,000 girls playing football compared to figures in 2018.
Moreover, WSL attendance has seen a 200% increase following the success of the Lionesses in 2022. This showcases a heightened awareness and the allocation of much-needed funding to women's football, further emphasising the benefits of participation.
Encouraging Young Girls to Play Football
Creating Safe and Inclusive Environments
Creating opportunities for girls to partake in football in a safe, welcoming environment is crucial for fostering a positive community where they can develop their skills and enjoy the game. Initiatives like the 'Girls Active' by Youth Sport Trust emphasise girls' participation and ensure they receive the right guidance and coaching to stay active.
Moreover, it's important that women have a prominent role in football media, as their opinions and voices can inspire younger girls, reinforcing that football isn't a sport dominated by men.
Football Drills and Skills for Girls
Some practical ideas, drills, and games can help spark a newfound passion for football among girls. The FA Shooting Stars programme is a free resource that schools can sign up for. This programme provides teachers with access to materials designed to engage girls and help them develop their football skills while having fun.
In a collaborative effort, Youth's Sports Trust and Disney have designed a programme to get girls active using storytelling involving their favourite characters. The enchanting appeal of Disney not only encourages participation, but also helps forge a positive association with football, fostering sustained interest in the sport beyond the initial Disney-inspired incentive.
The Future of Women's Football
The future of women's football is promising and shows no signs of slowing down. The sport's presence in the media and the general public consciousness is more prominent than ever, and society is taking notice. An increasing number of young girls are getting involved, inspired by the fantastic athletes and their captivating stories.
The aim is to have 60 million female players involved at every level by 2026. The points discussed earlier highlight the current positive state of the sport and the players to watch during the tournament. So, make sure you support the Women's World Cup this summer. We want to hear your thoughts and opinions. Don't forget to comment and share on your socials.