London — May 26, 2026 — The Premier League, The FA, and the UK Government’s Football Foundation have announced new funding through the Lionesses HERe to Play Fund, designed to meet the growing demand for women’s and girls’ football nationwide.
Supported by The National Lottery via Sport England, the initiative will create more opportunities for women and girls to participate in football by covering essential costs such as facility hire, equipment, league fees, and coach training. Between May and September, clubs and organizations can apply for £500 grants to run recreational football sessions or £1,500 grants to launch new affiliated women’s, girls’, or mixed disability teams.
The announcement builds on the success of the fund’s first phase, launched after the Lionesses’ historic EURO 2022 victory, which sparked a surge in participation. Clubs can also apply year‑round for up to £25,000 to make facilities more welcoming — including improvements to changing rooms, lighting, and safety features.
Football Foundation CEO Robert Sullivan said the initiative continues the legacy of the Lionesses’ success by ensuring inclusive, accessible places to play. Stacey Mullock, Head of Development at The FA, emphasized the goal of creating equal opportunities for women and girls, aiming to deliver 8,800 new playing opportunities by 2028.
The Premier League and Sport England echoed the commitment to grassroots development, highlighting the importance of removing barriers to participation and supporting the next generation of players.
This funding marks another milestone in the UK’s Decade of Change for women’s sport, reinforcing the country’s position as a global leader in promoting equality and access from grassroots to elite levels.
