UEFA launches new six-year plan to take women’s football to the next level

The new strategy hopes to make football the most-played team sport for women and girls in every European country, while increasing the number of professional leagues across the continent. Further long-term goals include making football the most sustainable and investable women’s sport, with record-breaking UEFA competitions, while also celebrating the sport’s values and community.

Building on the success of Time for Action, which was the European governing body’s first-ever women’s football strategy and launched in 2019, Unstoppable will look to increase investment and inspire the next generation of players, coaches, referees, volunteers and fans.

“Unstoppable is our road map to lay the groundwork for a sustainable future, unlocking the full potential of women’s football,” said UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. “As we enter this exciting new era, we must continue with the same passion that has driven us this far. Our dedication to the cause remains as strong as ever. Our mission is simple – to help women’s football gain a prominent place in the European sporting community.”

To achieve the goals set out in the strategy, extensive and inclusive pathways must be put in place to develop players, coaches and referees. Additionally, translating peak attendances and audiences into consistently higher numbers across the whole season, across Europe, remains a key objective.

UEFA’s biggest challenge comes in the form of creating a sustainable ecosystem for women’s football, offering opportunities to play at every level and encouraging investment while maintaining the unique identity of women’s football.

The sport’s values include respect, equality, openness, unity, excellence, integrity and fairness.

Over the last few years, women’s football – among other sports – has witnessed an increase in audiences and participation.

There are 1.37 million girls registered on UEFA programmes, and there has been a 104% increase of female referees compared to the 2019-20 season. This equates to 16,548 referees. There are 25,921 licensed female coaches, an increase of 36% from 2019-20.

During the 2023-24 season, there were 3,049 fully professional female players.

European attendances averaged 10,199 during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 season, and 5.1 million watched the 2023 final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

“European women’s football has never been in a better place. National teams and clubs are excelling thanks to enormous investments, improved competition structures and thousands of emerging professional playing opportunities,” said Nadine Kessler, UEFA Managing Director of Women’s Football.

“Women’s football in Europe has become a sport for the masses, attracting an ever-growing and diverse fan base, and partners that wholeheartedly contribute to its growth. It is our promise to keep investing and collectively lead the game forward, with all European national associations, leagues, clubs, players, fans and partners part of our journey – because women’s football is Unstoppable.”

The UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 (which was originally due to take place in 2021 but was impacted by COVID-19 postponements) was watched by 374 million live viewers – double the figure in 2017. Some 50 million watched the final, which was won by England’s Lionesses, a 233% increase on the previous Euro final.

The upcoming UEFA Women’s Euro, which is scheduled to take place in Switzerland from 2-27 July, 2025, is also incorporating environmental sustainability.

As part of the organisers’ Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, ticket-holders will benefit from free public transport as a low-carbon travel option. On matchdays, match tickets will be valid for a second-class round trip between any Swiss locality and the match venue.

Addressing discrimination is also key to the strategy, with a match observer scheme and rapid response measures in place to note any incidents of abuse. The tournament will also emphasise accessibility, ensuring inclusivity for fans from all backgrounds.

Image: Daniel, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons