In April, the government announced a review into the women's game, including grassroots football. Sky News spoke to women in the game about the current problems they face
Eleanor Levitt said her club, Brockwell United FC, have found it difficult to find pitch space that is safe and welcoming.Brockwell United FC was founded as there wasn't a women's team in south London for beginners. Pic Lucien Phoenix
"It's even the simple things like a sanitary bin in the toilets and safe changing rooms for players. The infrastructure is currently catered towards men," she said. Another issue that was raised was the lack of a clear pathway for girls and women into the professional game. Fellow co-founder Danielle Bamber added it is important to engage with schools because"that's the level where you start playing before you go to clubs".
According to the FA, there were more than 34,000 female coaches and 2,146 female referees in 2020 and there has been some progress, as shown by FIFA's recent announcement that three female referees will officiate at the men'sHowever, the numbers are significantly lower than for men, with FA data showing there were 83,000 male coaches and 26,000 male referees in May 2020.
"We know seeing women in these roles is so important. Sian Massey-Ellis pledged to support three aspiring female officials to join her on a women's select training day through Get Onside. We know how important this is, you have to see it, to be it." "It is so important to create opportunities for young girls to see football as a thing. The coverage from Sky and BBC has been a game-changer.