Sir Keir Starmer has said his Government will aim to break down “barriers of opportunity” to playing football as he seeks to capitalise on the England team’s success in Euro 2024.
The Prime Minister, a keen amateur footballer, said his Government will work to ensure the legacy of Gareth Southgate’s team reaching the Euro 2024 final and that of the Lionesses at the Women’s World Cup last year.
This work is expected to include support for grassroots football clubs and improving access to sport in schools.
England ultimately lost to Spain 2-1 in the Euros final in Berlin with Sir Keir watching from the crowd alongside the Prince of Wales and Prince George.
The Prime Minister said the team had “excited and gripped us all with their talent and determination in never giving up” despite their loss.
He added: “Playing each week, I know the importance and joy that football and sport more widely brings to so many people.
“Inspired by the Three Lions, we are breaking down the barriers to opportunity which stops the new generation of footballers from taking to the field and will celebrate those who keep the beautiful game alive in our communities and clubs.”
The Government plans to provide more support to grassroots football clubs, including by supporting the Football Association in its ambition to double the number of gold-standard community clubs by the time the first ball is kicked at Euro 2028.
The Football Foundation will also be supported to continue a scheme to transfer the ownership and maintenance of grassroots football pitches directly to clubs and community organisations.
The Prime Minister is mulling over steps to recognise the work of volunteers, coaches, referees and groundskeepers at grassroots clubs, with further steps to be announced in the near future.
Elsewhere, ministers aim to expand access to sport in schools, including through an upcoming expert-led review of the curriculum, and to tackle barriers to children participating in sport in schools, such as costly PE kits.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “We will make sure that the legacy of recent successes are genuinely felt in communities, far and wide across the country.
“We’re absolutely committed to making sure every child has access to the sports they love both in schools and in grassroots clubs, to not just help uncover the next generation of stars but to help create a healthier nation and change lives for the better.”