Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps the Government is taking to increase girls' access to football at school and grassroots level.

The Government is determined to increase opportunities for girls to participate in sport, including football. Our new approach to PE and school sport will help ensure girls have equality of access to sport in schools, including football.

In May, Sport England announced £3 million of National Lottery funding, to support the creation of more clubs and organisations that give women and girls a safe, welcoming and accessible space to play, through the Lionesses HEre to Play Fund.

£85 million of the Government’s £400m investment into grassroots sport is being invested via the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities (MSGF) Programme in 2026/27, and we are doubling priority slots for women and girls at MSGF-funded pitches.

We are also acting on recommendations from Karen Carney’s Independent Review of Women's Football, including ensuring a strong voice on the FA’s Board for women’s football, from grassroots to the elite.