UK Gov promised to support Lioness call for girls given equal access to sports

The Lionesses have secured a powerful political victory off the pitch after the Government promised to support their call for girls to be given equal access to all sports in schools.

All of last summer's Euros-winning England squad signed an open letter to 10 Downing Street in August pleading for girls to be offered the same chance as boys to play football in PE lessons.

On Tuesday, the Government set out new standards for equal access in formal lessons and extracurricular sessions.

“Last year the Lionesses' victory changed the game,” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said.

“We want schools to build on this legacy and give every girl the opportunity to do the same sports as boys, as well as provide a minimum of two hours of PE. This means every child can benefit from regular exercise, and we are proud to provide them with the support needed to do so.”

Captain Leah Williamson, who lifted England's first major women's international trophy aloft at Wembley last July, said: “We see it as our responsibility to open the doors for young girls to pursue their passion for football, and this announcement makes that possible.”

The full package of support for schools from the Government includes more than £600 million over the next two years to improve the quality of PE and sports in primary schools.

Mark Bullingham, the Football Association chief executive, said it was a “very proud day”.

The Education Secretary Gillian Keegan told Telegraph Sport: “Last summer the Lionesses captured the nation's heart with their achievements on the pitch, but more than that their success demanded a legacy that meant girls in school today could follow in their footsteps.

“Today's announcement is a landmark moment in providing equal access to sport for girls and boys, backed by significant investment that will help more children find a sport they love.

“Sport is something that brings people together, turning strangers into friends. I experienced this as an early member of the Women's Parliamentary cross-party football team, where MPs and journalists from across the political spectrum come together on the pitch.

“Sport and physical activity are crucial in developing children and young people's confidence, communication and team building skills, as well as improving their health. We are all united in our ambition to help children find a sport they enjoy – whether it is our work to help schools open their facilities up during evenings and weekends, the FA's #Letgirlsplay campaign, or the Telegraph's Keep Kids Active campaign – helping to create our sport stars of the future is something we all have a stake in.

“Coming from Liverpool, a city dominated by its love of football, I have seen the power that sport has to bring generations and communities together. The Lionesses have done that on a national stage, inspiring children across the country, especially girls, since their brilliant Euros win. Today's announcement, and the steps being taken by Government together with national sporting bodies to improve girls' access to sport, is their legacy.”