Leeds United Women said that the recent success of England in this year’s Euros has had “A massive positive impact” on them as a club.
Andrew Dalton, from Leeds United said, “I think it also had a massive impact in getting younger women into sport.”
‘Higher attendances’
“There have been higher attendances this season at the Leeds United Women’s games, we’re getting a lot more younger supporters at the games as well,” said Dalton.
Last night, Leeds United Women faced York City Ladies in the Womens National League North, in front of a bumper crowd of 2280 at York City’s LNER Stadium. This is the highest attendance that both sides have played in front of.
Independent surveys have revealed that 84% of spectators said that Euro 2022 has improved their perception of women’s football, 85% of spectators are likely to attend professional, international and domestic women’s football events again in the future, and 88% are likely to at least watch on TV.
‘Growth lower down the leagues’
Dalton said, “There is not just growth at the Super League level, there is now becoming growth lower down the leagues.”
Grassroots sport has benefitted massively from the England Women’s side winning the Euros, as over 416,000 new opportunities have been created in England across schools, clubs, and the community to engage women and girls in grassroots legacy football activities across the host cities.
“Media attention is increasing, and there is more media exposure on the players,” said Dalton.
“I think the marketing this season from lower league sides has been fantastic, it breeds more interest in women’s sport.”
“The interest is there, and I think its building, which does help with the success of the European Championship win in the summer.”
