England's run to World Cup semi-final sparks rise in women playing football

The England women's team's run to the 2019 World Cup semi-final has sparked an increase in female participation in football.

The number of women who are committed football players in England has increased by 850,000 since this summer's World Cup. In that tournament England again reached the semi-finals, with their match against the United States watched on television by 11.7 million.

In addition, 350,000 women have started playing football since last year, according to the FA. There are now more than 2.63 million women aged 16 or over playing football in England.

The figures have been released as the Lionesses and top Women’s Super League clubs approach two showcase events. The Lionesses will play a friendly against Germany at a sold-out Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Next week the FA hosts the Women's Football Weekend, focused on encouraging as many people as possible to attend a women’s football match, including games at both Anfield at Tottenham Hotspur's new stadium.

Louise Gear, the FA’s Head of Women’s Development said these high-level players have been pivotal in encouraging increased participation.

“The growth we’ve experienced is proof of the ‘see it, play it’ mantra which is at the heart of our ethos to inspire participation across all age groups. In the Lionesses we’re fortunate to have a wonderful group of role models performing at the highest level of the game, who inspire females of all ages to have the confidence to get out and give football a try; be it for fitness, competition or fun.”

Girls under 16 will benefit from a 36% increase in the number of Wildcats centres, where 30,000 girls aged between five and 11 have the opportunity to play football.

This week the FA launched their Shooting Stars initiative, which aims to get 1,200 primary schools to inspire girls into playing the game. The FA Girls’ Football School Partnerships scheme already reaches over 6,500 schools across England.

The FA says it is on track to achieve its aim of doubling participation in women’s football from 6,000 registered teams in 2017 to 12,000 in 2020.