I love that this year has been one of real advocacy for women’s sport. The Lionesses triumphed at this year’s UEFA Women’s Euro, becoming European champions once again and successfully defending the title they first won in 2022. The Red Roses w
It is not only football and rugby that are shining. The Netball Super League brought its final to the O2 Arena, filling the stands with noise and excitement. A brand-new Women’s WTA 500 tournament added top-class tennis to the home calendar. England Women have taken cricket to some of the nation’s most iconic grounds, including the Oval and Lord’s. Motorsport is part of the story too, with the F1 Academy gaining momentum and even inspiring a place in Lego’s Formula One collectables.
ere crowned world champions after their victory in the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The increase in visibility and popularity across these sports has been clear, with sell-out matches at both Wembley and Twickenham and record-breaking television audiences for the Women’s World Cup final.
As a university student, I worked at Twickenham Stadium, a job I really enjoyed. I remember women’s matches often took place after the men’s, with no charge, and it was an all-too-familiar sight to see fans flood out of the gates, leaving only a small proportion to watch. It always stung to see such little support. Fast forward to this year’s World Cup, and tickets are now a sell-out. There is nothing quite like walking into a stadium surrounded by over 80,000 fans singing Sweet Caroline at the top of their lungs.
It is also encouraging to see stand-out athletes who have risen in both fame and popularity. These women inspire the next generation to take up sports that were once seen as “men’s games”. Chloe Kelly, a crucial member of England’s 2025 squad, is one of the team’s most recognisable players, having scored the winning goals in both recent Euro finals. She actively advocates for gender equality and the empowerment of women in sport, using her platform to challenge stereotypes and encourage young girls to follow their passions, whatever society might expect. Kelly has also partnered with prominent brands such as Calvin Klein, Land Rover and The Gym Kitchen, further boosting the visibility and commercial growth of women’s sport.
Within the world of motorsport, one of my personal favourites, the hard work and determination of Susie Wolff is plain to see. As a personal hero of mine, it is inspiring to watch more and more women competing on the grid across different formulas, edging closer to the goal of seeing a woman race in Formula One. Sponsors have started to follow the F1 Academy, with Charlotte Tilbury becoming a main sponsor of a team and all the Formula One outfits now running their own teams within the series. Success stories such as Abbi Pulling, who secured her first GP3 podium, bring even greater inspiration to women who aspire to join the sport. I also think that a dedicated Netflix docuseries, similar to the world-renowned Drive to Survive, proves there is real interest and a growing market for women in what was once considered a traditional men’s sport.
For me, the future of women’s sport is not only bright but full of promise. It is about recognition alongside men because equality in sport is crucial. It is not a question of who is better; it is about everyone being given the same chance. All too often women’s sport has been belittled or ignored and why is that? The women in these sports work just as hard as the men, often balancing family life with demanding careers. They are every bit as passionate, yet they are paid far less regardless of time and effort. Surely it is time they could make a living as professional athletes just as men do.
I am excited to see the continued momentum in the popularity of women’s sport, and I hope this is reflected in both pay and public opinion. I look forward to the day when it is simply normal for women to play in front of large crowds at matches, games and races. It should not have to be groundbreaking; it should be the new normal. And let us face it, the women seem to be winning a lot at the moment. The men, well, good luck in your next tournament boys.
Sincerely,
Catherine
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