Prime Minister meets with Lionesses to announce a new approach to school sport

The Prime Minister met with the Lionesses squad at St. George’s Park on Thursday, to announce a new approach to school sport following the squad’s continued drive for equal access as part of their EURO 2022 legacy.

The visit, as the team continued their preparation for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 in Switzerland next month, saw new plans announced to give every child across the country equal access to high quality PE and sport as government announces a new approach to school activity.

This will ensure schools have a new framework for delivery that will include a clear focus on equal access and two hours per week of physical education. Each school’s offering will be publicly available.

A national network will be developed to build strong partnerships between schools, local clubs and National Governing Bodies to identify and break down barriers to sport for children who are less active, primarily girls and pupils with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).

It will be supported by a new Enrichment Framework to ensure all young people have equal access to high-quality extra-curricular activities – including football and other sport.

The government has also committed to publish information about every school’s sport and enrichment offer, so parents can see what their children can play. The information will be included in new ‘school profiles’ – a one-stop shop for parents to see information about their local schools, with further detail to come in the autumn.

The Prime Minister joined the squad after training to discuss how the new approach will level the playing field for young girls and children with disabilities in England.

Lotte Wubben-Moy, a driving force of the Lionesses’ equal access campaign, welcomed the announcement and said: “We want every young girl to have the opportunity to play football in school. This isn’t only about laying the foundations for future Lionesses to rise up, but also a chance for the power of football to help create change within the education system and set an example for equality.

“Only 50 per cent of secondary schools currently offer equal access to football for girls and boys. At such a crucial time in a young person’s life we cannot underestimate the positive impact football and sport can have on their physical and mental wellbeing.

“The PM’s announcement is an encouraging build upon the legacy of our EUROs win in 2022. We as Lionesses are eager to see the speedy introduction of these new proposals. A bright future is ahead.”

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham added: "The Lionesses are an inspiration to a generation of girls playing football. They continue to campaign for equal access in schools - and this announcement will help deliver just that.

"We have driven growth in women and girls' football across the country with 56 per cent more women and girls playing football since 2020.

"However, there is much more to do in schools and the Government’s proposals to have School Sport Partnerships in place by the 2026 academic year will make a huge difference in providing schools the network they need to deliver more and better school sport."

The visit provided the Prime Minister the opportunity to wish head coach Sarina Wiegman and the rest of the squad good luck ahead of this summer’s tournament – telling them the whole nation is behind them.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I speak for the entire nation when I say good luck to our Lionesses for this summer’s EUROs. We will be behind you every step of the way.

“Not only have you made history, but you have inspired the next generation to find a sport they love. That’s why I’m delighted we are delivering on your call to ensure they have the opportunity to go on and play – maybe even for England one day.”

Today’s news aims to reverse a worrying trend where boys are more active than girls. It will boost physical access for all pupils, regardless of age, gender or ability. It will also support the delivery of competitions at a local, regional and national level.

The partnerships approach will ensure inclusive best practice is shared and adopted widely across all schools in England.

Made for This Game, The FA’s women and girls’ campaign, champions that every girl, regardless of age, ability, or background, belongs in football. This announcement builds on that, giving more girls the confidence to step up, take part, and supports our ambition for equal access across the game.