Two years on from the Lioness’ historic victory in the 2022 Euros, and women’s football is thriving.
The number of women and girls’ football teams have more than doubled across England over the past seven years according to the BBC, with the largest increase being in 2022-23.
The Kidderminster Lions have been one of many clubs who have benefitted from the surge in girls wishing to play the sport.
“There was a significant increase in girls playing football when the England ladies played in the Euros and World Cup”, remarks Suzanne Oliver, Club Secretary for the past 14 years, and chairperson for eight years.
Offering Wildcat events to inspire girls aged 5-11 years old to get involved in non-competitive football matches and spark their passion for the beautiful game, Oliver admits: “The number of girls playing football is a lot less than boys”.
With 28 teams and approximately 240 children, a substantial effort has been made by the club to combat this issue, and increase female participation in sport.
Voted Worcestershire FA Club of the year in 2023, the under 12 girls were ball girls for the Aston Villa ladies last year, while other opportunities included trips to watch the England ladies play matches in Coventry, Walsall and Wembley.
Recently winning Worcestershire FA Outstanding contribution to grassroots football award, Oliver has even arranged mascot experiences for the girl’s section of the club at Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion.
Alongside this, the club offers Pan Disability Football for people of all ages who are unable to achieve their potential in mainstream football due to their disabilities or impairments.
It is clear to see how much effort Kidderminster Lions puts into making football accessible to everyone, and the impact this has on the confidence of its players inspires them to fully engage in sports, helping to close the gender gap.
Oliver explains: “When you see a shy six-year-old blossom into a force on the football pitch and enjoying every second of it, then my job is done.”
