Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action are they taking to support the growth in the number of young women and girls playing football.

This government is committed to equality in Sport. The Honorary Member for Maidstone has done sterling work with promoting women in Sport. Sport England is investing £2.4 million into a joint initiative between Sport England, the FA, the Premier League and the Football League Trust, encouraging more women and girls to play football. Since its launch in October 2013, nearly 21,000 14 to 25 year olds have taken part in the programme.

As part of its Whole Sport Plan funding, Sport England is also investing £3 million to support a Women and Girls' Talent Pathway, an initiative to develop the next generation of talented female football players.