Football Foundation Launches Game-Changing Lionesses HERe To Play Fund

Following the success of the Lionesses, the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation has launched a new fund to provide women and girls playing grassroots football with welcoming and inclusive facilities.

In the last four years the number of girls participating in football has more than doubled from 1.2m in the 20/21 season to 2.7m in 24/25, undoubtedly inspired by the Lionesses triumphant success in back-to-back UEFA Women’s EUROs.

Through the Lionesses HERe to Play Fund, the Football Foundation will help ensure grassroots sports facilities across England are welcoming, safe and accessible for this new generation of players, helping to translate the spike in demand into a long-term transformation of grassroots football.

Millie Bright, England and Chelsea defender, and Football Foundation Supporter, said: “It is incredible to see how the Lionesses’ success over the last few years has driven change across the country to support all those who have been inspired to play the game.

“We must ensure that the women and girls who are heading down to their local pitch have the best experience when they get there and welcoming and accessible facilities are at the heart of this.

“I know from my experience of playing grassroots as a kid that football gave me a greater sense of confidence, helped me make friends and get active. I want players to keep returning to their local facility.

“Thanks to the Lionesses HERe to Play Fund things such as better lighting to help women and girls feel safe; the conversion of open showers to ones in cubicles; and the provision of sanitary bins, will ensure all women and girls feel like they belong to grassroots clubs. Importantly I hope that it will ensure they want to return again and again.”

The Lionesses HERe to Play Fund will provide clubs and organisations the chance to apply for grants of up to £25,000 for items that will make their facilities more inclusive.

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “25 years ago, a unique partnership between the Premier League, The FA and Government created the Football Foundation to ensure every community has a great place to play.  

“In recent years we’ve seen the women’s and girls’ game going from strength to strength, particularly following the Lionesses’ inspiring victories. Last season, over 12,500 women’s and girls’ grassroots football teams were playing on sites that’ve benefitted from the funding we’ve delivered to help meet this growing demand.

“The Lionesses HERe to Play Fund will enable even more women and girls to get down to their local pitch, whether they dream of following in their heroes’ footsteps or just want to enjoy the game with their friends.”

Images: Football Foundation/Jon Super for TMG/Jed Leicester