The FA Launches National Education Initiative

The Football Association [FA] and Barclays are embarking on a new campaign, Made for This Game: Breaking Barriers, to deliver educational resources to primary and secondary schools nationwide.

Despite a significant increase in the number of schools offering equal access to football in PE lessons barriers still remain when it comes to getting girls playing.

Girls’ football participation has more than doubled in recent years, rising from 1.2 million in the 20/21 season to 2.7m in 24/25. However, new insight shows that gender stereotyping, misogyny and a lack of body confidence are the most significant factors still holding girls back.

To help tackle these barriers, The FA – supported by Barclays through the Barclays Girls’ Football in Schools partnership – has developed new Made for This Game: Breaking Barriers educational resources for both primary and secondary school pupils and teachers.

Featuring CBBC and BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Molly Rainford, the topical lesson packs are intended for all pupils – ensuring both girls and boys engage with these important conversations early in life.

Developed as part of The FA’s flagship participation initiative Made for this Game, the resources are split into two age categories:

Primary resources (Ages 5-11): Focused on misogyny, inclusion and challenging gender stereotypes.

Secondary resources (Ages 11-16): Addressing more complex barriers, specifically body confidence and mental wellbeing, which are primary drivers for girls dropping out of sport during teenage years.

Findings from Youth Sport Trust suggest girls are over three times more likely than boys to lack confidence when taking part in physical activity, and more than twice as likely as boys to not feel resilient – underscoring the need for early, targeted support.

Sue Day MBE, Director of Women’s Football at The FA, said: “We cannot ignore the fact that societal pressures are threatening to slow the excellent progress that’s been made over the last few years.

“By starting these conversations for girls and boys in their formative years, I hope we can help to develop a generation of girls who truly believe that football is for them. It’s no use having role models in our Lionesses and the elite players of the Barclays WSL and WSL2 for girls to look up to, if they don’t feel that football is a place for them to thrive.

“There is always more to be done but I’m really proud that we’re tackling the difficult challenge of breaking down barriers head on in a bid to create a more supportive, inclusive and accepting environment for the next generation of girls and boys.”

The FA’s partnership with Barclays continues to deliver crucial work to ensure all girls can access football in school, with bespoke interventions to empower girls, grow their confidence and develop skills through football.

The programme reaches 90% of eligible schools nationwide, with 20,434 schools now part of the network – a 47% increase since 2020/21.

Tom Corbett, Group Head of Sponsorship and Client Experience at Barclays, said: “Working closely with The FA over so many years, we’ve seen first-hand how powerful the right support can be in opening doors for girls across the country.

“Reaching 90% of schools offering girls aged 7–14 equal access to football in PE – three years ahead of schedule – is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. It’s also a reminder of what’s possible when we keep pushing together.

“But access alone isn’t enough. Too many girls are still held back by stereotypes, self-doubt and wider societal pressures.

“That’s why we’re proud to build on this progress through the Barclays Girls’ Football School Partnerships network – breaking down the barriers that stop girls from even wanting to step on the pitch, and creating environments where they feel confident, welcome and seen.

“The new Barclays Talent Education Programme takes this even further – ensuring talented girls are identified early, supported properly, and never forced to choose between their education and their passion.

“Together, these initiatives mean we’re championing girls from their first kick of a ball, all the way to chasing their dreams.”

Made for This Game: Breaking Barriers educational resources are now available to schools at: www.girlsfootballinschools.org