The Lionesses are EURO 2025 champions, and today I found myself quite moved watching the victory parade. As we all celebrate this amazing achievement, I want to share something a little more personal with you, especially the parents of young girls...

When I was little, I loved all things pink, I adored ballet, Sleeping Beauty was my favourite film, and… I also loved football. But growing up, there wasn’t much space for girls like me in the game.

My primary school didn’t have a girls’ team, and it was only thanks to my incredible mum insisting that I got to play at all. I joined the boys’ team, but the truth is, the boys didn’t want me there and the girls made fun of me for it.

I went to football camps with Brentford and QPR coaches and was always the only girl. I was always put in defence—because, as the boys put it, “no one would admit to being fouled by a girl.” Eventually, I gave up. Football no longer felt like it was for me.

That’s why seeing the Lionesses lift that trophy means so much—not just for women’s football, but for all the little girls out there who might love football and tutus. Who might like princesses and penalty shootouts.

At Footicubs Wirral and Cheshire, I see this every week—amazing girls (and boys!) who are just beginning their journey in football. But I still hear from parents all the time who say, “She’s such a girly girl, I don’t think football’s for her.” I get it—honestly, I do. But if there’s one message I’d love you to take from this moment, it’s this: Being into dolls and sparkles doesn’t mean she won’t love football too.

Early Years Football isn’t about being the next Lioness (though we’ll always cheer for that!). It’s about building confidence, developing movement, learning to work with others, and most importantly, having fun. You might be surprised by how much your daughter enjoys it if you give her the chance.

The Lionesses have shown us what’s possible when girls are encouraged, supported, and believed in. Let’s keep that energy going right from the start. We’re here to help them fall in love with the game, and we hope that love continues well beyond Footicubs and they carry the confidence that football gave them into whatever they choose to do.

With love, pride, and muddy boots,The Lionesses are EURO 2025 champions, and today I found myself quite moved watching the victory parade. As we all celebrate this amazing achievement, I want to share something a little more personal with you, especially the parents of young girls...
When I was little, I loved all things pink, I adored ballet, Sleeping Beauty was my favourite film, and… I also loved football. But growing up, there wasn’t much space for girls like me in the game.
My primary school didn’t have a girls’ team, and it was only thanks to my incredible mum insisting that I got to play at all. I joined the boys’ team, but the truth is, the boys didn’t want me there and the girls made fun of me for it.
I went to football camps with Brentford and QPR coaches and was always the only girl. I was always put in defence—because, as the boys put it, “no one would admit to being fouled by a girl.” Eventually, I gave up. Football no longer felt like it was for me.

That’s why seeing the Lionesses lift that trophy means so much—not just for women’s football, but for all the little girls out there who might love football and tutus. Who might like princesses and penalty shootouts.
At Footicubs Wirral and Cheshire, I see this every week—amazing girls (and boys!) who are just beginning their journey in football. But I still hear from parents all the time who say, “She’s such a girly girl, I don’t think football’s for her.” I get it—honestly, I do. But if there’s one message I’d love you to take from this moment, it’s this: Being into dolls and sparkles doesn’t mean she won’t love football too.

Early Years Football isn’t about being the next Lioness (though we’ll always cheer for that!). It’s about building confidence, developing movement, learning to work with others, and most importantly, having fun. You might be surprised by how much your daughter enjoys it if you give her the chance.

The Lionesses have shown us what’s possible when girls are encouraged, supported, and believed in. Let’s keep that energy going right from the start. We’re here to help them fall in love with the game, and we hope that love continues well beyond Footicubs and they carry the confidence that football gave them into whatever they choose to do.
With love, pride, and muddy boots,