Adidas will provide dedicated football pitch space for women, girls, and non-binary players in London throughout July in order to address the ongoing imbalance of pitch access and availability.
With Women's Euros shaping up to be a record-breaking tournament, this is a generational opportunity to open-up football to women, girls, and non-binary players, but lack of access to football facilities is affecting the potential for this opportunity to be taken.
Access to pitches and adequate infrastructure are some of the biggest barriers to participation. Legacy booking and equal allocation of existing pitch space to new players and teams make it difficult to access pitches.
Sixty five percent of teenage girls who used to be interested in sport drop out due to lack of opportunities and facilities, according to research. In some sports clubs and organizations girls have had to share dressing rooms with boys due to the fact that female players in male-dominated sports are treated differently.
adidas has launched a campaign called "Pitch, Please" to address the disparity during the Women's Euros. Regular pitch access for women, girls, and non-binary players has been secured across London to help improve access to playing facilities and ensure that players of all experience levels can make the most of the excitement of a home tournament
Some of the leading figures in the women's football scene called for change in a film on Friday.
"Growing up, having a safe and accessible space to play football was so important, and without that I wouldn't be where I am today," said one of the players. adidas highlighted this issue and provided a dedicated pitch for women, girls, and non-binary players to play on. I am aware of the value this can have, and I am sure it will benefit the community.
During the tournament for five, seven and nine-a-side football, the Haggerston School pitches will be available every Saturday and Sunday for women, girls, and non-binary players to use.
There will be additional events and pitch access opportunities to be announced during the tournament. adidas will be giving over 100 hours to women, girls, and non-binary players.
adidas and VERSUS are giving away 150 hours of free access to Powerleague pitches. The five pitches across London will be available to book in August.
Thousands of women, girls, and non-binary people will be watching their heroes and will be inspired to play, but the lack of pitch access is a huge barrier in making this
This is a real challenge, and one we must collectively combat to make sure a generation of women, girls, and non-binary people are welcomed into the sport. We are so proud to provide a dedicated space for our communities to play, so they can concentrate on what they enjoy most - playing football.
Sky Sports and Sky Sports News will bring you the latest from Euro 2022.
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Karen Bardsley and Esme Morgan are also English.
Sky Sports News will follow the Sky Sports News team around the country on the Sky Sports Women's Euro 2022 Mobile Presentation Bus.
Sky Sports will change the name of their football show to Sky Sports Women's Euros. It will feature exclusive news and player interviews as well as a strong programme line up around the tournament.
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