UK government to back recommendations of Karen Carney-led women’s football review

The United Kingdom’s government has expressed its support for all the recommendations put forward in the women’s football review, which was led by former England midfielder Karen Carney. This comprehensive report, unveiled in July, advocates significant changes aimed at elevating women’s football in England.

One of the major proposals from the review is the transformation of the top two women’s football tiers in England into fully professional leagues. This move aims to provide more opportunities for female athletes and enhance the overall quality of women’s football.

Another noteworthy recommendation is the establishment of a regular broadcast slot dedicated to women’s football. This step would help increase visibility and accessibility to the sport, ensuring that fans have consistent access to women’s football matches.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer has passionately endorsed these proposals and has called upon the Football Association and other stakeholders to set a new standard for women’s sport. She believes that this is a pivotal moment for women’s football, expressing confidence that continued efforts and determination can push the women’s game even further, ultimately becoming a benchmark for women’s sports as a whole.

The government’s response to the review emphasizes that these recommendations are the right path for the future of women’s football. They are committed to translating these suggestions into reality and will hold the football industry accountable for their successful implementation.

The report’s recommendations span a wide range of aspects within women’s football:

1. World-Leading Standards: These standards encompass players, fans, staff, and everyone involved in the women’s game. The goal is to elevate all aspects of women’s football to a world-class level.

2. Talent Pathway Restoration: Ensuring the presence of a robust talent development system to nurture future generations of top-tier women’s football players, often referred to as the Lionesses.

3. Professionalization: The top two tiers of women’s football should become fully professional to attract and develop the best players globally, enhancing the competitiveness and quality of the sport.

4. Diversity and Inclusion: Addressing the issue of diversity across women’s football, both on the field and in various off-field roles, to ensure a more inclusive and representative environment.

5. Broadcasting: Collaboration between governing bodies and broadcasters to create a dedicated time slot for women’s football matches, enhancing viewership and engagement.

6. Fan Support: Implementing additional measures to support and engage fans, making their experience more enjoyable and accessible.

7. Equal Access to School Sports: Ensuring that girls have equal access to school sports, encouraging their participation and development in football from a young age.

8. Grassroots Investment: Increasing investment in grassroots facilities and improving access for females, fostering a stronger foundation for women’s football.

Carney, who earned 144 caps for England and retired from playing after the 2019 World Cup, has expressed optimism about the government’s commitment to the review. She believes that with this support, domestic women’s football could potentially become a billion-pound industry within a decade. Her sentiments are shared by many who are enthusiastic about the future of women’s football in the UK.

In recent developments, Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship clubs have agreed to establish a club-owned organization to oversee women’s professional league football in England starting from the 2024-25 season, taking over responsibilities from the Football Association.

Furthermore, the UK government plans to form an implementation group comprising key stakeholders to execute the recommendations outlined in the Carney review. Additionally, they will establish a dedicated board for women’s sports to address specific themes and challenges faced by various sports, promote best practices, conduct research, and accelerate the growth of women’s sports in the country.

As Karen Carney aptly puts it, “The real work begins now.” The government’s commitment to this review signals a significant step forward in the journey to elevate women’s football to new heights in the United Kingdom. It’s a momentous time for the sport, and with these initiatives, women’s football is poised for a bright and prosperous future on and off the pitch.

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• Karen Carney’s women’s football review
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• Karen Carney’s vision for the future of women’s football