Lionesses Women's Euros legacy already apparent in Bolton

AFC Bolton has seen dozens of girls wanting to play the beautiful game inspired by watching the England women's football team.

Sunday evening’s momentous 2-1 victory for the women’s national team in the Euro 2022 final against Germany has been hailed as a turning point for the women’s game.

The Lionesses beat Germany in front of a record crowd of over 87,000 inside Wembley – the most at any Euros final, men or women - to win their first ever major trophy, and the country’s first international football honours since the men’s team in 1966 – also beating (West) Germany at Wembley.

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Darren Winnard is chairman at AFC Bolton, and manager of the open age women's first team.

He and his family, which includes his two daughters - 18-year-old Ellie and 16 -year-old Mia – watched as much of the tournament as they could.

“They loved it,” he said. “They love playing football any way, but they’ve been going out and training on their own. It’s made them want to improve.”

READ: AFC Bolton Under-10 Girls take part in historic cup final

Both girls play for AFC Bolton, which has around 150 other women and girls in 15 teams, ranging from under-sevens to open-age.

Darren says there has been lots of interest, particularly from women and girls, that he attributes to the Lionesses Euros performances.

AFC Bolton U10 Girls played against boys team Horwich RMI U10s in the cup final last year. Credit: Walker Sport Pics

He said: “There’s been a big increase in requests to play, especially the day after the Lionesses play. People ringing up asking, ‘can my daughter play?’

“We’ve had 40 or 50 already.”

The interest is so big that there are enough girls to fill even more teams for the upcoming season.

And it’s not just young girls either. There have been several open age requests too.

The club has a track record of developing young female talent.

Just last year, five of there under-11s players were snapped up by professional clubs such as Manchester City, Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers.

Ellie Winnard, of the Ladies First team, said: “The Lionesses have been such an inspiration. The quality of football they have played has been amazing.

AFC Bolton U10 Girls played against boys team Horwich RMI U10s in the cup final last year. Credit: Walker Sport Pics

“Sunday was so emotional, after all the years of being a girl playing football and getting a fair bit of grief off the boys. The Lionesses really made me feel proud.”

Mia Winnard,  who plays for U17 girls, said: “I was lost for words. I’m so proud to be English and also a female footballer.

“Throughout the tournament they have been brill and just had that feeling all along they would win it. I hope there are plenty of more trophies coming home for the Lionesses.”

Scarlett McCarthy, in the U10 girl's team, says that she loved watching women Euros and one day she wants to be like them playing in big crowds.

“They have inspired me to work harder to achieve my dream,” she added.

Phoebe Meads, a player with U11 Girls, said: “I loved watching the ladies in the final. I was very nervous but had every confidence we could win when it went to extra time.

“It was very exciting and when we scored our second goal I was in tears. It was amazing.”

AFC Bolton U10 Girls played against boys team Horwich RMI U10s in the cup final last year. Credit: Walker Sport Pics

Isabel Moss,  who plays for U13 girls, said: “I am very proud of England and it has inspired me to become a better player.”

U7 boys player Alfie Coote says he is pleased if it means his sister Izebella can start playing football with him now.

Anabella Fox, U11 Girls, said: “It was great being able to be a part of the ladies Euros. I went to the first match at Old Trafford, and it was amazing. 

“The final was so exciting and I was so happy that they won. 

“I play for the AFC U11s now but I want to be in Lucy Bronze’s spot when I’m older.”

AFC Bolton U10 Girls played against boys team Horwich RMI U10s in the cup final last year. Credit: Walker Sport Pics

Tilly Massey, who plays for U12 girls, said: “I really think that the Lionesses winning the Euros will change a lot of people’s perspectives on women’s football and hopefully women in all sports in general.

“The Lionesses' victory has inspired me personally to keep working hard and pursue my goals no matter what I'm told, or what others think.

“I hope they will do the same for many generations of girl football players to come.”

Ruby Humphries, U11 girls, said: “I think they are inspiring, and they make lots of children want to join in with sports.

“I hope to be like them one day and want to play at Wembley just like them.

“I was lucky enough to go to the final and it was the best day ever.”

Abby Smith, of U11 girls, said: “It was amazing and hasn’t ever happened before.”

Jess Smith, U17 girls, said: “Amazing performance by the girls who are an absolute inspiration to us.

"I’m so proud to be part of girl’s football right now. We brought it home.

“Well done, Lionesses, you smashed it.”

Amelia Eck, U17 girls, said: “The whole squad played incredibly and it was amazing to watch them make history.”

Evie Warburton, player with U7 girls, said: “The Lionesses were brilliant. I was really excited watching them and I am really proud of them.”

AFC Bolton U10 Girls played against boys team Horwich RMI U10s in the cup final last year. Credit: Walker Sport Pics

Lois Cooper, U7 Girls, said: “The girls played good and I’m glad that they won.

“Beth Mead is my favourite player and I want to play for England when I’m older.