How the Lionesses’ victory opens the doors for a new generation of career aspirations for girls in the UK
The success of the Lionesses this week has inspired a new generation of girls to get involved in football. However, the access to girls only football teams throughout UK schools is few and far between. According to figures published earlier this month, more than half of secondary schools do not offer equal football coaching to boys and girls, offering girls only ‘comparable activities’ such as netball, rounders, tennis, and badminton while the boys are offered dedicated football lessons. In fact, landmark research from MyTutor, the UK’s most trusted tutoring platform, has found that 1-in-4 (25%) females in the UK feel like progressing in a sport, either at player or management level is not viable for them as there are no role models that look like them. With the Lionesses historic victory at Wembley ringing in a record viewership of 17.5 million, it rings in a newfound visibility of female role models, excelling in sport and beyond. To celebrate this sea change in what success means for young women and girls, MyTutor has detailed the other careers that England’s heroes have embarked upon, lending insight to the ways in which the team has further inspired the career aspirations of the next generation.
Jill Scott, who plays midfield for the Lionesses, boasts more than her skills on the field. Prior to becoming a professional footballer, the 35-year-old holds a host of qualifications including a BTEC National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science, and a foundation degree in sport and exercise development. Along with her successful sporting career, Scott is also an entrepreneur, owning her beverages company called Boxx2Boxx coffee.
The team captain, Leah Williamson, has much more on her plate than playing for the Lionesses and Arsenal. Williamson is currently studying part time to become a qualified chartered accountant in order to take care of herself in retirement and in the case of an injury, be able to handle her own insurance policy.
Many of the team, including Lucy Bronze, and Beth Mead were both at university while balancing working part time jobs when starting their professional football career. These women are more than the 2022 Euro Champions, they are leaders in male dominated industries, showcasing to younger girls what’s possible for them to achieve in life.
It’s vital for young girls to not only see but have opportunities to participate in subjects that have historically been dominated by men. In an effort to support all students ahead of the new autumn term, MyTutor launches their inclusive, interactive, and engaging summer courses, allowing students to find new passions, start thinking about their future, and supplement their learning.
