Wyrley Juniors Football Club has netted a National Lottery grant to set up five new girls’ teams. 

One of 170 clubs across the country to collect a share of £1 million made available since last summer, the club has registered an upsurge in interest since the Lionesses’ history-making win at the Women’s EUROs. 

They are now hoping the team’s display at the FIFA Women’s World Cup will encourage even more youngsters to take up the game. 

Formed in 1982, the club offers football for people of all ages and abilities and has nearly 70 teams – the largest in Staffordshire. Its women’s and girls’ section has been growing steadily since 2000 and now boasts over 400 members across 25 teams.

Wyrley Juniors FC are just one of hundreds of grassroots football clubs across the UK to have benefitted from funding made possible by National Lottery players. Jo Johnson, Club Secretary at Wyrley Juniors FC, said:

"We were grateful for a grant from The National Lottery which helped us set up the new teams to cope with demand. Girls were inspired to play football by the Lionesses’ win and now we have really been able to bolster our girls’ section. 

“National Lottery funding in the past has also meant we were able to build a clubhouse with big changing rooms and toilets for everyone – it’s been brilliant.”

In the past 10 years, more than £50 Million has been invested by The National Lottery in women’s football leading to increasing professionalism and appeal of the game. Jake Triggs, Football Participation Officer at Staffordshire FA, said:

"Since the historic Women's EUROs in 2022, we have witnessed a remarkable surge in female football participation across our county. 

“Staffordshire offers a myriad of opportunities for females of all ages to embrace football. From the Weetabix Wildcats programme, tailored for youngsters aged five and above, to the inclusive Mum's Play initiative, designed to encourage open-age females to embark on their football journey.

“At the heart of Wyrley’s progress lies the invaluable support from The National Lottery funding, empowering our teams to create a solid foundation that nurtures the aspirations of aspiring female footballers."