Inspired by the success of the Lionesses in the summer, the Mayor of Greater Manchester has called on schools to offer more football sessions for girls.

Women’s football has seen monumental changes over the last few years. Not only are local teams welcoming hundreds to their grounds, on the larger scene the England squad managed to capture a nation and make household names of their players.

Following their EURO 2022 victory, the team, captained by Leah Williamson, wrote a letter to the next prime minister, urging them to offer more sport to girls.

Now, these wishes have been backed by Greater Manchester’s Andy Burnham.

Burnham and Manchester City legend Karen Bardsley have signed with The FA to call on schools across the city-region to do more to help girls get into football.

They will be writing to all schools in Greater Manchester, asking them to offer at least two hours of PE per week to girls, including more football sessions.

Their call has also been backed by Manchester United and Lionesses striker Alessia Russo, who scored four goals at the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 this summer.

Nationally, only 63 per cent of schools offer girls equal access to football in PE lessons, meaning more than a third are not getting the same opportunity to play as boys.

In Greater Manchester, 906 of 1,271 schools are linked to a Barclays and FA Girls’ Football School Partnership by England Football, through which they have access to training, resources, and support.

Andy Burnham is also calling for more investment to support female PE teachers, in recognition of the crucial role they play in inspiring young pupils.

Addressing the media at ThePitch at MediaCity, Andy Burnham said that change needs to occur.

“The Lionesses pledged to use their victory to create a lasting legacy for women’s football, and girls up and down the country will have been inspired to step out onto their school pitch, their local sports centre or into their back garden and dream of playing for their country.

“That’s an opportunity that not all girls have at the moment, and that’s something we need to change. That’s why we’ve set up the Greater Manchester Women’s Football Board, and written to all schools in our area.

“If we want Greater Manchester to be the home of even more footballing success for generations to come, let’s level the playing field and make sure every girl has the chance to play football and achieve their own dreams,” he said.

Alessia Russo, Manchester United striker, said: “Too many girls are still unable to play football at school and that’s why I’m fully behind Greater Manchester in calling for that to change – and encouraging all schools to get on board.”

Locally within Tameside, there are a plethora of inspirational women teams for girls to get involved with.

If you, or someone you know, wants to take their first steps into football, get in touch with your local team. It’s never too late to begin.

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