Salisbury-based footballer says women’s football has proven everyone wrong
Can the Lionesses roar to victory against Spain?
A footballer from Salisbury has told us that the success of England’s Lionesses has dramatically increased accessibility to football for girls in the UK.
Ellen Clarke captains the Bemerton Heath Harlequins Ladies team and says that Women’s football is now ‘top notch quality’, proving the doubters wrong.
Sarina Weigman’s team face Spain in the Women’s World Cup Final in Sydney this morning (Sunday 20th August) at 11.00am, in their first ever World Cup Final.
Weigman led England to European Championship glory last summer on home turf, thanks to Chloe Kelly’s extra time winner against Germany.
"This group can really do something"
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Ellen said the buzz around Women’s football and the Lionesses can be traced back to the previous World Cup in 2019, where England were dramatically eliminated by the United States.
“I remember the thinking back then, 'they could really do this',” she said, “then they won the EUR and then from there on, I feel like everyone else sort of joined up on the joined on the bandwagon of women's football is being celebrated hugely. And of course, that creates so much support from areas of support that I personally hadn't had before.”
This has mean the game has become more accessible to girls across the country, with a 140% rise in girls participating in football since the Euro’s victory.
Changing opinions on Women's Football
Ellen told us about ‘microaggressions’ towards Women’s football in the past.
“Family members of mine would say, I don't want to watch this, cause it's slow or it's boring and it's not as good as the men's and poor quality.
“In my head I'm just thinking, ‘these things might be true, but these aren't professionals.’”
But as the Women’s game in England has become more professional, the Lionesses and the players in the domestic game have changed opinions.
“Anyone can see it watching these games. It's it is that it is a top notch quality and it's exciting to watch as a very entertaining to watch. So they've proven everyone wrong in a way which is really lovely.”
