Women and girls' football strategy drives equality and continues Euros legacy in Greater Manchester

By Greater Manchester Women and Girls’ Football Board | 11 November 2024 | TAGS: football, Women & Girls, Strategy

The FA have released their new women’s and girls’ game strategy, which outlines the governing body’s priorities over the next four years (2024-2028). 

Greater Manchester Women and Girls’ Football Board* welcomes the announcement of the strategy, 'Reaching Higher' and remains committed to ensuring Greater Manchester is at the forefront of driving equal opportunities for women and girls in football.  

Established in June 2022, the board aims to create a lasting legacy following the Women's Euro 2022, during which the city-region proudly hosted eight matches, including the Lionesses' opening game before a sold-out crowd at Old Trafford.

The Board is a unique collective of national and local organisations* committed to a shared mission; accelerating the growth of women and girls' football in Greater Manchester, tackling inequalities, and increasing opportunities to access the game. This includes increasing participation from players and newcomers at grassroots level, through to supporting teams in the FA Women’s Football pyramid. 

Since the launch of the board, there are now more women and girls playing in Greater Manchester;

• In the last 2 years, we have seen a 60% increase in female FA-affiliated teams in Greater Manchester.
• Over 80% of schools in Greater Manchester are now offering equal access to girls to play football as part of the curriculum, 5% higher than the national average. 

Karen Bardsley, former England Lionesses and Man City Women FC goalkeeper and Chair of Greater Manchester Women's Football Board, said: 

“Everyone should have the opportunity to play football and experience the social, psychological and mental benefits it brings. The Greater Manchester Women's football board is committed to ensuring an inclusive game for all so I’m looking forward to supporting the FA’s Reaching Higher strategy and striving for equal opportunities for women and girls to play, volunteer and pursue careers in football, here in Greater Manchester.”

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:

“Football is an intrinsic part of our culture in Greater Manchester and contributes to what makes our city-region great. Whilst we have seen progress since the Board was established in 2022, through an increase in women and girls playing football, we recognise that there is still more to do.  

“I was delighted to see the links between what we are trying to achieve and the FA’s new strategy. By working together, we are committed to making a meaningful impact on women's and girls' football in Greater Manchester.” 

Hayley Lever, CEO of GM Moving, said:

“As members of GM Women and Girls Football Board, the team at GM Moving are committed to positive action alongside a range of local and national partners to drive forward the new FA Women & Girls strategy in Greater Manchester, with a focus on tackling inequalities within the game.

“It’s positive to see an emphasis within the strategy on the importance of place-based interventions which target historically under-represented communities to increase opportunities to play, which aligns closely to the city-region's GM Moving in Action strategy to support active lives for all.”

You can access the full ‘Reaching Higher’ strategy on the FA website here.

*Greater Manchester Women's Football Board includes representatives of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, GM Moving, The FA, Sport England, Football Foundation, Women In Football, Bright Futures Educational Trust, Manchester FA, Sportfive UK and Greater Manchester's Local Authorities