‘We’re still reliant on some money from men’s clubs’ admits Kelly Simmons, on the financial situation women’s football currently faces.
The trailblazer – who received an OBE due to her work towards the sport -started work with the FA in 1991.
She took up a role to head up progression of the women’s game in 2018.
This year marks her last in the position, but she’s able to look back with a sense of pride to see the progress made possible for current and future Lionesses.
A recent review – spearheaded by former player Karen Carney – called for further change of the back of England’s success in the Euros last year.
Broadcast times, funding and prize money are all major issues raised.
Kelly told Metro.co.uk ‘The next ambition of women’s game has got to be sustainability.
‘We are growing revenue to be able to invest, but we are still reliant on some money from men’s clubs.
‘The long term ambition is to get more brands behind women’s football, more investment and more match day revenue to continue to grow the game.
‘In terms of the grassroots level, it’s great we have the World Cup this year to inspire girls to play and programmes like the National Lottery’s to capitalise on that interest and support clubs in setting up new teams.’
Kelly was joined by England legend Ellen White as they made a visit to Actonians FC in London on Friday.
The team has benefited from recent funding and been able to grow it’s opportunities for young girls who want to play.
Kelly continued: ‘It has been lovely to be here at Actonians Girls Gootball Club.
‘It’s great to see clubs with a full pathway for girls and women, from young girls coming in each year to being able to play all the way through to the women’s stage.
‘That’s been in part thanks to a programme of National Lottery grants to make sure a legacy is built on the success of the Lionesses’.
Seeing the rapid growth of the women’s game is almost overwhelming for Kelly, who use to be branded ‘crazy’ on social media after airing hopes for the women’s game.
She added: ‘When I came into the FA many moons ago, we counted 80 teams.
‘Now there’s more than three million women and girls playing football in some form which is phenomenal. That’s due in part to investment and incredible hard work of people up and down the country.
‘The profile of the Women’s World Cup is only going to help continue that.’
Time differences won’t hold back those keen to follow the games added Kelly, who set an alarm very early on Friday to catch Nigeria v Canada.
‘People will find a way to watch games, especially the England games’, she said.
‘Children are on summer holidays and I’ve heard of people having work viewing parties.
‘There will be a lot of eyeballs on the Women’s World Cup and that will only grow as it progresses and if England does well.
‘It’s the biggest women’s sport tournament in the world and there are so many teams that could win it, it’s fascinating.’
Kelly visited Actonians FC alongside Lioness legend Ellen White, whose interview from the day you can read here.
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