What has Caused the Growth in Women's Football over the Past 4 Years?
- therookiereporters
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
Four years ago, 2022 marked the start of growth within women’s football, when England hosted the 2022 Euros and fans chose to get behind the England women’s team. But what have been the important factors in this?
The biggest factor was the success the England national team had in the 2022 Euros. The team beat Germany 2-1 at the finals in a packed out Wembley to secure the title, and become European champions. The success brought in backing from fans and sponsors alike. As a result more money was brought into the women's football economy having an impact.
This increase in money/sponsorship means teams are able to put more into the team, for many teams this has meant an improvement in training facilities, which leads to the players being able to develop and improve. For some teams it has meant a change in stadiums, for example Arsenal women’s team now plays all home league games at the Emirates meaning they are able to sell more tickets are bring in home and away fans.
Another factor is the accessibility of the sport, whether this be through broadcasting, ticket prices or direct contact with the players. For the Woman’s Super League, multiple matches across the season are broadcasted for free on the league's YouTube channel. This means fans are able to get easy access and watch games on the go such as on their phones. Also a large number of games are now broadcasted on BBC, meaning again fans can access the sport for free.
Regarding ticket prices, it is often seen as more affordable compared to going to a men’s game. For example, for a parent and child to go and watch Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City in the FA Women’s League Cup it would cost £9 (£8 for an adult and £1 for a child). As a result of this, many fans elect to go to the women’s games over the men’s.
In terms of direct contact with players, often after a WSL match, players hang around pitchside and interact with fans. The fans are able to give players gifts, such as bracelets, ask for signatures and take photos with them. For many young fans this is an unforgettable experience and something that completes the whole matchday experience.
Another major factor is the growth in social media engagement for the sport. Across the 2024/25 season WSL clubs saw a 154% increase in interactions on TikTok. The easy access for fans on TikTok has meant they have been able to see an insight into their club and also their favourite players life, allowing fans to feel more connected and involved, something not always felt across men’s football.
Overall the growth in women's football has been caused by multiple factors working together to bring visibility to the sport. The main boom coming from the success in the 2022 Euros, with this also causing a rippling effect on all others factors that have been mentioned.
Article written by Imogen Moggridge © Imogen Moggridge 2026
