Grassroots football clubs in Derbyshire tell us more girls playing now than ever before

It's since the Lionesses' European Championships success last summer

Published 16th Aug 2023
Last updated 16th Aug 2023

Grassroots football clubs in Derbyshire tell us they've seen a massive increase in girls playing football - since the Lionesses won the Euros last year.

This season - Killamarsh Dynamos have had around 50 kids sign up across all their age groups.

Millie Bright started her career there - and will be taking on Australia in the Women's World Cup semi-finals today.

Mike Atherton is chair of the Dynamos and was there when Millie started her journey:

"She moved onto Sheffield United and ultimately, she's ended up at Chelsea and Millie's now captaining the Lionesses.

"It's brilliant, but Millie's never forgotten about Killamarsh.

"She does come back and regularly sends promotional items to the club to help out where she can."

Trudy Hawkins is the Assistant Manager of Sheffield United FC's Community Foundation girls under 9's team.

She says the popularity of the sport has increased hugely over the last 12 months:

"It's just so good that these days, girls can carry on playing and dream of becoming a Lioness of the future.

"Our girls can look up and aspire to be like these girls who're they'll be watching on the TV, which is amazing."

Kick-off is set to begin at 11am.

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