Words: James Whitbread

Women’s football has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, but perhaps the biggest success rate has been at Grassroots level. Across England, more women and girls than ever before are playing football, joining local clubs and becoming involved in the sport through coaching and refereeing. What was once viewed as a male-dominated game has transformed into one of the country’s fastest-growing sports movements.

The success of the England women’s national team, played a huge role in inspiring this rise. Their victory at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, followed by reaching the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final in 2023 and winning Euro 2025, brought unprecedented attention to the women’s game. Attendance figures have reflected that surge in popularity, with Women’s Euro 2025 attracting record crowds of more than 657,000 fans across the tournament.

Credit: England Women’s National Team

That growth at the top of the game has filtered down to grassroots football. According to The Football Association, the number of women and girls playing football in England has increased by 56% in the last four years. The FA also reported that female teams increased by 14.3% between 2023 and 2025, while participation among female coaches rose by 88% and female referees by an incredible 113%.

Survey data further highlights the growing interest in the women’s game. Research from YouGov found that 31% of adults in England are now interested in women’s football, compared to just 17% before Euro 2025. Among women specifically, interest rose from 13% to 30% during the tournament. Another survey revealed that 36% of girls are now attached to a football club, showing how participation at youth level is rapidly increasing.

Credit: Girls’ Grassroots Football Team

Schools have also become a major factor in the rise of grassroots football. Around 2.6 million girls now have equal access to football in PE lessons, while 90% of schools offer equal opportunities for girls to play the sport. This has created a pathway for young girls to enter the game from an early age and has helped remove barriers that previously limited participation.

I interviewed Chairperson and Coach for Marple Athletic JFC, Lee Price. Price joined the grassroots club in Stockport to volunteer and coach his son, when there was no girls team. Lee oversaw Marple Athletic make a girls team and today they have “around 150 girls” at the club. He was awarded for his service with Stockport Sports Volunteer of the Year Award in 2017.

Price said his proudest moment is his work with the girls team, and explained he finds it rewarding, “seeing girls joining the side having never played football, brought along by their Mum and Dad, really nervous and shy, then watching them develop, get more confident, and make good friends, because of the inclusive culture we have.”

Despite the progress, challenges still remain today. Many grassroots clubs continue to struggle with access to facilities, funding and coaching resources. However, the momentum behind women’s football has never been stronger. With record attendances, growing media coverage and increasing grassroots participation, the women’s game is continuing to break barriers and inspire the next generation of players across the country.