Footballers #playstrong at the UEFA Women’s Euro

Currently underway in the Netherlands, the UEFA Euro 2017 shows how far the sport has come for female players.

The Women’s Euro gained its status as a formal competition in 1982, with the first tournament taking place in 1984. Beginning with four teams, it now includes 16. The number of viewers tuning in continues to grow, along with its sponsors and media coverage. The semi-finals are this week, first with Denmark vs. Austria, followed by England and the Netherlands going head-to-head on 3 August.

UEFA is encouraging social media support with the #WePlayStrong campaign, which calls attention to the benefits of sport for teenage girls in particular. Other campaigns include a partnership between the English Football Association and the pop group Little Mix in support of the Lionesses, and a video of the Denmark women’s national football team calling for better recognition of women’s achievements in the sport.

FIFA Women’s Coach of the Year Silvia Neid commented on the developments in women’s football in an interview with UEFA:

“The progress has been incredible. When I think back to my first international in 1982, it really is unbelievable what has happened since then. Everything has improved, athletically, tactically, technically, and in terms of speed. It’s now more or less on a par with men’s football. Everything has progressed and improved.”

She also stressed the importance of developing a strong foundation at the grassroots level to encourage younger players, as well as maintaining a solid elite league.

While salaries and prize money disparities still exist in the world of professional football, female footballers continue to make progress. As a recent Clare Balding documentary points out, gaining legitimacy as a female team has been an ongoing battle. What was once deemed a sport “unsuitable for females” has now become one of the most popular sports among women worldwide. Whether or not women’s football resembles men’s, and whether it actually aims to, is a separate question. Most importantly it is a sport of integrity, and one that continues to grow in supporters. In fact one of its most celebrated qualities is the excitement it inspires as it evolves.