Mark Sampson believes The FA’s new women’s football strategy could help England become the best team in the world.
On Monday The FA launched its ‘Gameplan for Growth’, a three-year manifesto which is ultimately aimed at doubling the number of girls and women taking part in football by 2020.
And the England Women’s head coach said increasing the number of female players is crucial to the health of the national team.
Sampson said: “This strategy will really deliver the changes we need that will drive the game forward at all levels.
“It’s so important we create opportunities for girls to play football.
“We want to be the best team in the world so growing our player pool is key to that goal.
“We also have to give them the opportunity to get involved and to keep developing the pathway for those who want to take their passion for football further.
“I know how committed The FA is to developing the women’s game at all levels.
“My message to everyone is this is a really exciting time to be involved in women’s football.”
The Gameplan for Growth has eight key priority areas:
• Building a sustainable and successful high-performance system
• Building a world-class talent pipeline
• Increasing the number and diversity of women’s coaches, referees and administrators in the sport at all levels
• Developing participation opportunities and infrastructure
• Changing perceptions and social barriers to participation and following
• Enhancing the profile and value of the England team and players
• Signposting opportunities to participate, watch or follow
• Improving the commercial prospects in women’s football.
She said: “When I was growing up there weren’t any female footballers I could look up to and know that it could be a career for me.
“That’s definitely changing and it’s great to see that the strategy will push to show that football is a game for women in all areas.
“I’ve been playing since I was eight and the game has developed so much.
“There is so much potential for the game to grow further from international to grassroots level and I do believe The FA’s strategy will help us all achieve that aim.”
