The rise of girls' football in schools

Over the past decade, girls’ football has experienced a remarkable transformation in schools, evolving from a limited extracurricular activity into one of the fastest-growing sports for young people. As more schools invest in dedicated teams, improved facilities, and inclusive sporting opportunities, girls are gaining greater access to the game than ever before.

This growth is being fuelled by a number of things, including an increase in visibility of women's football, inspiring female role models, and a growing recognition of the physical, social, and emotional benefits that sport brings. In this blog, we'll explore the key factors driving the rise of girls' football in schools, the positive impact it's having on students, and ideas on how you can support girls' football in your schools.

Why girls' football is important

Girls' football provides far more than just an opportunity to play sports. Taking part in football helps girls develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills that benefit them both on and off the pitch. It also encourages an active lifestyle, improving physical health while supporting mental well-being through regular exercise and social interaction.

By giving girls equal access to football in schools, we help create an inclusive environment where every student has the chance to discover their potential, make lasting friendships, and feel part of a team. As participation continues to grow, girls' football is not only breaking down outdated stereotypes but also empowering the next generation to believe in their abilities and pursue their ambitions with confidence.

Why girls' football is becoming more popular

There are many reasons why girls' football has taken off over the years. A lot of it is driven by a combination of:

Greater visibility
Major international tournaments
More female role models in football
Better opportunities through schools and clubs

As barriers continue to break down and football becomes more inclusive, more girls are feeling confident to get involved, whether they're playing for fun, developing new skills, or aspiring to compete at a higher level. This shift has also come in line with the rise of the Lionesses, whose success on the international stage has given young girls role models to look up to in the industry and has sparked a surge in demand for girls wanting to play football.

How has girls' football changed over the years?

Girls' football has changed dramatically over the years, evolving from a sport with limited opportunities into one that is widely recognised and celebrated. In the past, many girls had few chances to play football at school or join local teams, with the sport often viewed as being primarily for boys. Today, that picture has transformed thanks to greater investment, improved access to coaching, and the growing success of the women's game.

Now, over 90% of schools in England offer equal access to football for girls. This is a 31% increase in accessibility since 2020-21. With the introduction of programmes such as the Barclays girls' football in schools network, which began six years ago with just 3,000 participating schools, and now has over 20,000 schools signed up, we can see the positive changes happening in women's football. This progress has helped inspire a new generation of players, proving that football is a sport for everyone and creating more opportunities for girls to participate, compete, and thrive.

If you’re a parent wanting to learn more about how you can get your girls involved in sports at a young age, you can read our full blog to help them along with their athletic journey.

Ideas for supporting girls' football in your school

Whether you have yet to implement girls' football into your school or are looking for better ways to promote the sport to ensure girls' football teams have equal opportunities - there are plenty of ways to support this hobby. Below you can find some great ideas for both getting more girls involved, implementing opportunities and ensuring every girl has a place in the sport.

Introducing girls-only sessions

For many students, joining a girls-only group can create a more comfortable and supportive environment where they feel confident to learn new skills, ask questions, and enjoy the game without fear of judgment.

These sessions can help build confidence, particularly for beginners who may be trying football for the first time, while also creating a sense of community among participants. By focusing on enjoyment, teamwork, and personal development rather than just competition, schools can inspire more girls to develop a lifelong love of football and increase participation across all year groups.

Offering equal kits and equipment

Providing girls' teams with the same quality resources as boys' teams shows that their participation is valued and supported. Having the right equipment helps players feel part of a team, boosts confidence, and allows them to train and compete effectively. Consider investing in equipment and kits such as:

Schools can also ensure that team kits are comfortable, suitable, and accessible for all players, helping every girl feel confident when taking part. High performance kits, such as this Pro Player jersey, features quick-dry fabrics which help sweat dry quickly, keeping players comfortable as well as ultra mesh side panels for promoted airflow. They’re a great choice for supporting girls' football in your school.

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Promoting female role models in football

Promoting female role models in football is a powerful way for schools to inspire more girls to get involved in the sport. Seeing successful female players, coaches, and referees demonstrates that football offers opportunities for everyone and helps challenge outdated stereotypes. Schools can showcase role models by:

Celebrating major women's football tournaments
Sharing stories of inspirational players during assemblies
Displaying posters around the school
Inviting local female footballers and coaches to speak with students

These positive influences can encourage girls to believe in their own abilities, build confidence, and see football as a sport where they can thrive.

Offering mentorship and training from female coaches

Female coaches not only provide expert guidance and technical support but also serve as relatable role models who demonstrate that there are opportunities to succeed both on and off the pitch.

Through regular coaching sessions, mentoring programmes, or guest workshops, girls can receive personalised encouragement, build confidence, and develop their skills in a positive and supportive environment. Mentorship also helps foster a sense of belonging, allowing students to ask questions, overcome challenges, and gain valuable advice from women who have experience in the sport.

Partnering with local football clubs

Local clubs can provide qualified coaches, specialist training sessions, and access to facilities, while also offering clear pathways for girls who want to continue playing outside of school. These partnerships can help schools organise friendly matches, tournaments, and football festivals, giving students valuable match experience in a fun and supportive environment.

Working closely with community clubs also helps build stronger links between schools and grassroots football, ensuring girls have access to ongoing coaching, competitive opportunities, and a network of support that encourages long-term participation in the sport.

Organising friendly tournaments and fixtures

Just as with boys' football clubs, you should ensure that the girls have the same opportunities and can participate in tournaments and represent their school. Regular matches allow students to put their training into practice, build confidence, and experience the excitement of playing as part of a team. Unlike highly competitive competitions, friendly fixtures create a relaxed environment where the focus is on participation, teamwork, and enjoyment rather than simply winning.

Schools can collaborate with neighbouring schools or local clubs to host mini tournaments and football festivals, giving girls the chance to meet new players, gain valuable match experience, and celebrate their progress. These events can also help raise the profile of girls' football within the school community, encouraging more students to get involved and fostering a lasting enthusiasm for the sport.

Support girls' football in your school with Avec Sport

The rise of girls' football in schools represents a positive shift towards a more inclusive and equal sporting environment for young people. With increased opportunities to play, stronger support systems, and greater visibility of the women's game, more girls than ever are discovering the enjoyment and benefits that football can bring.

Schools have a vital role in continuing this progress by providing equal access to coaching, facilities, equipment, and opportunities to compete. Which is why at Avec Sport, we offer Avec for Education, where you can find discounts for your school on bulk items, making it easier for you to support your girls football clubs with premium team kits, footballs and holdall bags.

You can also discover other popular sports for girls with our blog, helping them take the first step into the sporting world in a supportive and inclusive environment.