This year’s UEFA Women’s Euros will hopefully deliver far more for women than one summer’s celebration of footballing success. It has highlighted just how far we have come in changing attitudes to women’s sport.
Hailing the Lionesses’ Euros win as ‘a huge success in bringing women’s football into the spotlight’, former Man United defender Wes Brown is confident having female role models is a huge step forward in inspiring girls to take up sport. ‘Encouraging girls to play football is important not only for the game, but also for a boost to their mental health, fitness and confidence. And it’s about having fun, too,’ he told WF, from football camp Campioni Academy in Croatia, where he spent the summer coaching children’s football.
‘Encouraging girls to play football is vital for me as the benefits are huge,’ agrees 35-year-old sports presenter Karen Carney, a former England international player. ‘And if it makes them happy, then that emotion will enable them to grow in confidence both on and off the pitch.’
But the Women’s Euro win doesn’t stand alone in its success. Indeed, it has been a strong year for sportswomen breaking barriers in general, including weightlifter Emily Campbell’s and runner Eilish McColgan’s record-breaking performances at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which saw the largest ever female sport programme in history.
It’s no wonder so many of us are feeling inspired. Wondering how to get involved in women’s sport? Five top female athletes offer their tips…
‘Always learn from your mistakes’
The England Lionesses’ historic Euro 2022 victory secured Beth Mead’s status as one of football’s brightest stars. Here, the 27-year-old forward tells us her training tips.
After the Lionesses’ victory this summer, Beth Mead is still coming to terms with the historic win. Her dreams of
