Lionesses told 'keep knocking down doors' to guarantee equal access for girls in sport by Warwick's MP
By James Smith
9th Aug 2022 | Football
Warwick's MP has called on the Lionesses to "keep knocking down doors" until the Government begins to listen about equal access for girls in school sport.
MP for Warwick and Leamington Matt Western said work needs to be done on securing the legacy of England's success at the 2022 European Championships by making sure that girls are able to play football at school as much as boys.
The Shadow Minister for Higher Education backed his Labour colleague Bridget Phillipson in calling on the Government to introduce an "Equal Access Guarantee" to ensure all girls are offered football in schools.
In a letter to Education Secretary James Cleverly, Ms Phillipson said: "The country has come together to celebrate the Lionesses' stunning victory, now we need to come together to secure that legacy and deliver equal access to sport for women and girls.
"The Conservatives have consistently failed to build on our sporting successes and must not continue to hide behind outdated guidance which is limiting girls' access to sport at school."
Warwick's own Lioness Jess Carter told the BBC that part of the squad's motivation was "to inspire people and that is clearly what we have done".
"In order to help them feel more inspired they need to be able to have access to want to play football," she added.
Mr Western has reiterated her statement, saying: "We all celebrated the Lionesses' stunning victory in Euro 2022, now we must secure their legacy.
"Warwick-born England star Jess Carter and her teammates are absolutely right that action must be taken to ensure girls can play football at school just as regularly as boys in the UK.
"As Shadow Minister for Higher Education, I support my colleague Bridget Phillipson's calls on the Education Secretary for an 'Equal Access Guarantee' for school sport.
"Girls and young women having the same opportunities to play football as their male counterparts is the simplest way for the women's game to develop and grow.
"Well done again Jess - you're a terrific role model.
"Keep knocking down doors until the Government and everyone else begins to listen."
(Header image via EnglandFootball.com)
Share:
