Girls inspired to play football by Lionesses’ success
They captured the hearts of the nation with their historic Euros triumph, gaining legions of new fans and helping to inspire the next generation of young footballers.
More than 50 million people across the globe tuned in to watch the Lionesses beat Germany 2-1 and win their first-ever European title.
Substitutes Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly scored – the winner coming in extra time - to secure the trophy and England's first victory in a major international football tournament since the men’s World Cup in 1966.
But it wasn't just success on the pitch that was cause for celebration, many connected with the sport declared it a major turning moment for the game.
Women's football has been steadily growing in popularity over recent years but the European Championships propelled it even further forward.
Up and down the country clubs were reporting a surge in interest from girls looking to join a club while existing players were given food for thought on pursuing a professional career.
Now all eyes are once again on the Lionesses and their manager Sarina Wiegman as they count down to the start of the World Cup, which is taking place in Australia and New Zealand.
Among those who will be cheering them on, when the tournament gets under way on Thursday, is Gee Thacker, who manages both the reserves side and the Under-14 girls team at Stourbridge FC Women.
Watching captain Leah Williamson lift the trophy at Wembley last summer was an emotional moment for the 28-year-old.
"I cried," she tells Weekend. "It was that instant realisation that people would start to respect the women's game now. As a manager of an under-15s team, I knew they wouldn't have to suffer the sexism that some of us have had in the past."
