Teesside girls youth football club inspired by Women's Euros
England are playing France tomorrow
Last updated 4th Jul 2025
A Teesside grassroots football club is telling us how the Women's Euros is helping to inspire the next generation of women in sport.
The tournament kicked off earlier this week but England are playing their first match tomorrow against France in host country Switzerland.
Paul Stabler is chairman of Pools Youth FC in Hartlepool and coaches the under-13 girls.
He said: "We've definitely seen an uptake in young girls but we've also seen an uptake in older age groups too, even in our open-age recreational ladies session, so we've seen an uptake and uplift across the board really.
"Generally there's more exposure now on TV and everything; women's super league football and of course the England team. I just think there's a lot more buzz arond it now and I think those who are trying it are spreading awareness because they're enjoying it.
"The exposure for girls to have something to aspire to I think is really important and obviously local players, in the past we've had Jordan Nobbs but we have Beth Mead and players like that, who've gone onto the highest level, so I think it's really good."
12 year-old Isla said: "My favourite player is Lucy Bronze because she's very determined to play the best that she can and she reminds me of me."
12 year-old Jessie said: "I really want to be a professional football player so I just always think what I would be able to do in the Euros and stuff."
12 year-old Macey said: "My favourite player was Mary Earps but she's left. Chloe Kelly is good. I feel like she always fights for the ball and that's all that she wants. She doesn't relaly care if she gets injured or not."