Responding to England’s footballers winning Euro 2025, Clare Morley, CEO of Rise, said:
“The Lionesses’ achievement is huge and so inspiring for the whole country.
“It’s also one that is grounded in the North East, in our towns, cities and clubs. On the pitch, Lucy Bronze was born in Berwick and Beth Mead played for Sunderland. Off the pitch and analysing the match for the BBC, Steph Houghton and Jill Scott retired in the last couple of years and are from Durham and Sunderland respectively.
“Big events like the Euros are chances to get everyone hooked on sport and physical activity and it’s an even bigger opportunity for the North East. The success story that started here should continue here. What the team has achieved means so many more girls and women will see sport and physical activity as something for them. They’ll see themselves represented in their heroes, but they need support to act on their hopes and dreams.
“On average, girls are less active than boys, so they need the same access to sport and physical activities that boys have, inside and outside of school. Children in our deprived areas need the same access as our more well-off areas, through more and better facilities and spaces. Inactivity often continues into adulthood, so targeted projects like This Girl Can in Newcastle can also help, encouraging women to be active in ways that work for them, regardless of age, background or ability.
“High level sport shows us what we can do, but it isn’t the be all and end all. Just moving more, being more active and enjoying it is brilliant for physical and mental health, building friendships and confidence. This summer holiday is the perfect chance to build habits that will pay off for a lifetime.”
For more information or to speak to a spokesperson, please contact Michael Walsh, Head of Communications and Marketing: [email protected] or 07731 813 738.