**England Star Nikita Parris Applauds Surging Momentum in Women’s Football as Women’s Euros Sweep the Nation**
England Lioness Nikita Parris has expressed her admiration for the remarkable transformation in women’s football, as anticipation and participation rise in line with the ongoing UEFA European Women’s Championships. The seasoned forward, now playing for Brighton & Hove Albion, lent her support to a landmark Big Football Day event in London—an initiative intended to boost female engagement in football across communities.
The Big Football Day, taking place in Central Park, Newham, is only one of several events rolled out by The FA and supported by The National Lottery. Over the past three decades, the National Lottery’s investment in grassroots sport has surpassed £6 billion, a contribution widely credited with altering the landscape for women and girls seeking to play football from school pitches to local parks.
Parris, joined by fellow Lioness legend Fara Williams at the event, candidly reflected on her own entry into the sport. Aged just 11, she found few options available, and ended up forming her own girls’ team with the help of family and friends. “When I was a child, the only way for me to carry on playing was to set up my own team—there simply weren’t initiatives like this then,” she recalled. “If you were over 11, the only option was to leave the boys’ teams behind and fend for yourself.”
Today’s generation, Parris noted, are experiencing a very different reality. The scene at Central Park was a testament to this shift, with more than 100 girls and women taking part in a festival of football activities, including taster sessions and recreational matches. Parris was visibly moved by the diversity and vibrancy of girls’ teams on display, sharing, “It’s a heartening change to see so many all-girls teams, filled with enthusiasm and promise.”
This added investment and focus on the women’s game comes at a pivotal moment. England’s victory at the 2022 European Championships sparked a significant surge in participation, with the number of women and girls playing football more than doubling in a few short years. While Parris missed out on a place in the current Euros squad, her pride in the team and hope for their continued success remain undiminished.
Grassroots clubs are central to this positive trend. The weekend’s celebrations began at AFC Leyton, recognised as one of the UK’s most successful independent women’s football clubs. Established from the ground up, AFC Leyton now acts as a vital pathway for young talent, with several alumni moving on to established clubs such as West Ham and Chelsea.
The afternoon’s Big Football Day in Newham was more than just a celebration; it was an effort to cement lasting interest and inspire the next generation. Activities ranged from walking football to community games, all finishing with a live screening of an England match and a carnival-like atmosphere, complete with DJs, food, and other entertainment.
Both The FA and The National Lottery hope these events will ensure the future of women’s football continues on an upward trajectory. Alice Kemspki, The FA’s National Development Manager for Women’s and Girls’ Pathways, highlighted the value of these gatherings: “Big Football Day is about capitalising on the momentum of major tournaments, helping drive participation locally and at grassroots level.”
The National Lottery’s ongoing contribution remains instrumental. With over £6 billion dedicated to expanding opportunities, stakeholders are optimistic that the future of the women’s game will be characterised by greater equality, increased resources, and a higher profile.
As this year’s Women’s Euros excite record-breaking crowds and inspire countless young players, the combination of grassroots celebration and high-level competition appears set to fuel the next phase of growth for women’s football in the UK and beyond. For further details on how to get involved, The FA has encouraged interested parties to visit the official England Football website.