Southgate showcases support of equal opportunity in #LetGirlsPlay campaign

09 March 2023 , 16:39

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Gareth Southgate has thrown his weight behind girls and women having equal access to sport (Image: FIFA via Getty Images)

England's women’s side have spearheaded societal change since their historic triumph in the summer.

The European Championship-winning team have secured equal access to sport in schools after all 23 players issued an open letter to the Prime Minister urging the UK Government to pave the way for the next generation of aspiring young girls.

Now, Gareth Southgate has showcased his support of the equality push surrounding the women's game alongside the #LetGirlsPlay campaign. The England men’s boss is championing equality in football right down to the grassroots level.

A video statement was released on England’s Twitter with Southgate addressing the situation: “I think it’s common sense for there to be equal access for girls to be able to play as many sports as possible.

“It's a positive piece of news. Everybody across the England teams recognises they have a chance to make a difference in the situation they are in. So, it’s very positive. I know the Lionesses in the summer, part of their drive to succeed was to promote the women’s game and make it more accessible to everybody and this is a step towards doing that.”

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The Government made their announcement on International Women’s Day, when a record of 285,000 girls from schools across England took part in the Football Association and Barclays’ Let Girls Play Biggest Ever Football Session. Over £600million of funding is set to be delivered over two academic years to increase female participation in sports across the country.

The Lionesses successfully lobbied for equal access to sports in schools after winning the Euros last summer (Getty Images)

One Twitter user named Charlotte tweeted: “I was sent home from primary school for playing football. Today I got to celebrate £600 million of investment into creative equal access to football in schools.” St Joseph’s Primary School Sudbury Tweeted: “The girls were freezing but this didn’t dampen their enthusiasm or enjoyment. The girls displayed good teamwork and determination in difficult conditions”

Schools will be instructed on how to maximise the impact of the funding by Ofsted, who will be publishing a report on PE in the coming months. A new digital tool will also be introduced to support schools in using the funding to the best advantage of their pupils.

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Louise Wilkes