FA release new four-year strategy for the women’s and girls’ game

The FA has today released its new strategy to deliver the next phase of growth for women’s and girls’ football over the next four years.

The ‘Inspiring Positive Change’ strategy spanning 2020-2024 achieved record growth across the sport, with more women and girls involved in all areas of football than ever before.

The new strategy ‘Reaching Higher’ looks to build on the success achieved to date, outlining four key areas for 2024-2018:

1. Build and protect the uniqueness of the women’s game – understanding the distinct qualities that makes it special
2. Win a major tournament – win more tournaments through building an inclusive talent pathway system
3. Build robust, high-quality competition across the football pyramid – drive standards to improve sustainability and quality of football
4. Deliver equal opportunities for women and girls to play – the ambition is for 90% of schools to deliver equal access for girls to play football in key stages 2 & 3

Alongside these priorities, there are five threads which are instrumental to delivering the four strategic goals:

1. Female health and well-being – supporting specific needs and providing environments where women and girls can thrive
2. Safeguarding – ensuring a safe culture in the game
3. Refereeing – growing and nurturing a new generation of referees 
4. Coaching – support and develop coaches
5. Diversity and inclusion – ensure the game is more reflective of our society

Baroness Sue Campbell, outgoing Director of Women’s Football at The FA, said: “There’s no question that in the last four years we have made significant and tangible progress across every aspect of women’s and girls’ football, but there is no room for complacency – we must strive to reach higher. 

“Although diversity within the women’s game is improving, we must double our efforts to ensure every girl and woman feels they are welcome within the football family whether as players, coaches, officials or leaders. 

“We can be proud of what has achieved to date, but now is the time to refocus our priorities so we can unlock the true potential of women’s and girls’ football.”