Let victory be the catalyst
The heroics of the England women’s national football team in beating Germany to win the Euro 2022 competition is likely to be a seismic moment that reframes how women’s sport is perceived throughout the country.
Our research has found that seven in 10 parents (70%) want to be involved in helping to improve diversity and inclusion in their child's school; not only that, but almost all parents (96%) are confident when speaking to their child about gender equality.
The achievements of Sarina Wiegman’s football team will undoubtedly help to shift the dial in raising awareness about the need to widen access to sport for young women.
Crucially, parents have signalled that they recognise the importance of supporting their daughters to reach their potential – on the football field as much in the classroom or anywhere else.
We all know the powerful impact of inspiration on children.
When they see their favourite players at Wimbledon, tennis courts in local parks fill with aspiring young people seeking to emulate the heroes and heroines they have cheered on in front of their TV screens.
Now, undoubtedly, a new generation of young women will seek to emulate the success of our Lionesses and take to football pitches across the land in their droves.
That’s why today we are calling upon the government to support schools to adapt swiftly, to ensure that the burgeoning enthusiasm for football and sport in general among young women is harnessed, nurtured and developed, using parents as natural allies.
From pick-up and dropoff to roaring support from the side-lines and keeping confidence high after losses, there are many angles to the parental role.
Let the victory of the England women's football team, which has united the nation in celebration, prove the catalyst that accelerates much greater access and opportunity for young women in sport.
Now is the time to ensure that PE provision and support for the next generation of champions are well and truly coming home.
“A new generation will seek to emulate the success of our Lionesses.”
John Jolly, Parentkind CEO.