Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter
The Football Association has released its new four-year strategy for women and girls’ football and there are four key elements to it:
Build and protect the uniqueness of the women’s game
Win a major tournament at international level
Build robust, high-quality competition
Deliver equal opportunities for women and girls to play.
As part of these four priorities, the FA will look specifically at female health and wellbeing, safeguarding, refereeing, coaching, and diversity and inclusion.
One of the things they hope to achieve is for 90% of schools to deliver equal access for girls to play football in key stages two and three.
They also want to encourage “significant investment” in the game in the wake of the takeover of the Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship by independent company Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL).
They are also considering the expansion of leagues – but did not specify if that included the WSL – and want to increase prize money in the Women’s FA Cup.
The FA’s director of women’s football Baroness Sue Campbell said: “In order to grow, we must continue to honour our history and recognise those who have contributed towards making it so unique.
“We want to bring all of our distinct qualities to everyone in the game, ensuring it is appreciated and valued in its own right; building and protecting what makes us special.
“No girl or woman should be constrained by historical prejudices and we want to encourage everyone to follow their dreams, whatever they may be.”
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