Attitudes 'changing for the better' towards women's football in South Yorkshire
We've been chatting to people involved in the sport locally - as the women's World Cup gets underway
It's a huge day for women's football today - as the world cup gets underway in Australia & New Zealand.
The Lionesses will be hoping to build on their success at the European Championships last year.
England don't play their first game until Saturday though - with Sarina Wiegman's side all set to face Haiti in Group D.
Like the men's game, several players in the current Lionesses set up have either grown up or represented teams in the region - including the likes of Beth England & Millie Bright.
Karl Wilson manages Silverwood JFC Girls Under 16's in Rotherham:
"I've got a group of girls that have got aspirations to play the game professionally.
"What the Lionesses did in the European Championships last year has inspired this next generation of girls.
"Football is massive in the north of England, and there's plenty of opportunities up here now with women's football as well.
"It's the fastest growing sport in the world & I love being a part of it.
"Boys and girls should have equal opportunities like they have now.
"If a boy wants to dance, let him dance.
"If a girl wants to play football, let her play football."
28-year-old Kristina Rankine plays for Brunsmeer Athletic in Sheffield.
She's played the sport since she was 6 years old:
"I think there will always be people who say women don't belong in football, and we'll just have to keep showing them that they're wrong.
"I do think things are changing though to become more inclusive.
"It's just incredible to see how far women's football has come.
"Football has always been my little bit of escapism.
"It's just such an amazing sport, and there's no better feeling than celebrating with your team.
"It's also amazing to see just how diverse the fan base is now since the Lionesses won the European Championships last year.
"I remember when I was at school, not many of my female peers played football.
"The leagues that we played in didn't have many teams, and those teams struggled for players.
"Now, there are so many teams, even just in Sheffield.
"South Yorkshire's always dedicated a lot of effort into women's football and sports in general to be honest.
"I'm not surprised all these incredible players have come out of the region."
New Zealand kick off the tournament against Norway, while Australia take on the Republic of Ireland shortly after.