Today the Prime Minister met with the Lionesses as they prepare
to defend England's title at the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 football
competition next month.
He wished head coach Sarina Wiegman and the rest of the squad
good luck ahead of their first match – telling them the whole
nation is behind them.
The visit comes alongside new plans to give every child across
the country equal access to high quality PE and sport as the
government announces a new approach to school activity.
This will ensure schools have a new framework that will include a
clear focus on equal access and two hours per week of physical
education. Each school's offering will be publicly available.
Prime Minister said:
“I speak for the entire nation when I say good luck
to our Lionesses for this summer's Euros. We will be behind you
every step of the way.
“Not only have you made history, but you have
inspired the next generation to find a sport they love. That's
why I'm delighted we are delivering on your call to ensure they
have the opportunity to go on and play – maybe even for England
one day.”
A national network will be developed to build
strong partnerships between schools, local clubs and
National Governing Bodies to identify and break down barriers to
sport for children who are less active, primarily girls and
pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
It will be supported by a new Enrichment Framework to ensure
all young people have equal access to high-quality
extra-curricular activities – including football and other
sports.
The government has also committed to publish information about
every school's sport and enrichment offer, so parents can see
what their children can play. The information will be included in
new ‘school profiles' – a one stop shop for parents to see
information about their local schools, with further detail to
come in the autumn.
Leah Williamson and Lotte Wubben-Moy - driving forces behind the
Lionesses' equal access campaign - were among the players to
hear from the Prime Minister how the new approach will level the
playing field for young girls and children with disabilities in
England.
Lioness Lotte Wubben-Moy welcomed today's
announcement:
“We want every young girl to have the opportunity to play
football in school. This isn't only about laying the foundations
for future Lionesses to rise up, but also a chance for the power
of football to help create change within the education system and
set an example for equality.
“Only 50% of secondary schools currently offer equal access
to football for girls and boys. At such a crucial time in a young
person's life we cannot underestimate the positive impact
football and sport can have on their physical and mental
wellbeing.
“The PM's announcement is an encouraging build upon the
legacy of our Euros win in 2022. We as Lionesses are eager to see
the speedy introduction of these new proposals. A bright future
is ahead.”
Today's news aims to reverse a worrying trend where boys
are more active than girls. It will boost physical
access for all pupils, regardless of age, gender or ability. It
will also support the delivery of competitions at a local,
regional and national level.
The partnerships approach will ensure inclusive best practice is
shared and adopted widely across all schools in England.
This builds on the work the Government is already doing with
partners including Youth Sport Trust and Sport England to boost
participation having already invested £100m to upgrade sports
facilities.
Notes to editors:
- Statistics on participation gap for physical activity can be
found in Sport England's Active Lives Children and Young People
Survey - Active Lives | Sport
England
