Lionesses' win proves girls' football is here to stay, says Suffolk coach
It's as it comes home again for England, with celebrations continuing today
Last updated 29th Jul 2025
A Suffolk football coach says the Lionesses' dramatic win on Sunday is giving girls across the country confidence to get involved, and proves once again that women's football is credible.
The Parade
It comes as the Lionesses defended the Women's Euros title with a dramatic win over Spain in penalties, securing a 3-1 victory.
Today they are set for an open-top bus parade in central London. Their Homecoming celebrations will start at 12:10 and will go along The Mall
Following the bus tour, there will then be a ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace from 12:30, with the event expected to wrap up around 1 pm.
"Women playing football are credible"
Liz Baalham, chair of Stour Wanderers Girls Football Club, says the final is already inspiring more people to take part, no matter their age or experience.
“It wasn’t a fluke winning last time,” she said.
“We’re sort of cementing them as… it’s got credibility. Women playing football are credible.”
Liz was among dozens at the club watching the final on Sunday, including around 20 girls, their families, and even players from the club’s vets team.
“Oh, they went mad,” she said.
“There were probably about 20 girls and their families there… a really nice mix from some of the little ones up to like the older girls, and a couple of the ladies' vets team came along to watch as well.”
“You’re going one-nil down and then to get that… the equaliser, the girls went mad. And then to get through extra time as well… we went into the penalties and through the with a couple of misses and saves and things like that.”
“What an evening. Yeah, that was amazing. The girls were just… just loved it. They really did. So it's fantastic.”
"Things change in such a positive way"
The Lionesses are being honoured with a parade in London today, and Liz says the size and visibility of the celebration show how far the women’s game has come.
“I feel as though the majority of people will be women in that space celebrating.
And I just think that's such a difference to what it would have been, say, 5–10 years ago… to see how things change in such a positive way.
To be so inclusive and flipping great.”
Even at their local clubhouse, Liz noticed a shift.
“There was a group of guys in the club last night who’d come over to watch… and some families as well.
Just to think that, that’s how they were choosing to spend their evening, was watching the women’s football surrounded by these screaming girls.”
She believes the impact of the win won’t just be short-term hype, but a real push for inclusivity and access.
“It’s just going to continue the momentum, isn’t it?
It’s more reason for women to get involved.”
At Stour Wanderers, players range from young girls to women who’ve never played before. Liz says it’s a message to everyone that football really is for all.
“A lot of those haven’t played since primary school, if at all.
And in the last couple of weeks we’ve had some new guys come along to that as well.
So I think just for all ages, it just says that you can play football.
And yeah, you have every right to be there.”
Her final message?
“If it’s inspired you to play, have a look at your local teams.
Get yourself along, go and try out a session.
And you know, believe in yourself and your abilities.
And just enjoy it , because it is, you know, it’s a great way to keep fit, make new friends, and get yourselves out there.”