£3m funding boost for women and girls’ grassroots football

Sport England is investing an extra £3m to support women and girls’ football through The Lionesses HERe to Play Fund. The new funding has been earmarked to help the formation of more clubs or organisations that give women and girls a safe, welcoming and accessible space to play.

The FA’s women and girls’ football strategy, Inspiring Positive Change, shows the number of girls playing football has increased by 56% in the past four years. The Lionesses HERe to Play Fund was launched in 2025 to capitalise on the interest sparked by the England women’s team’s UEFA Women’s Euros victory.