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England and Manchester City star Steph Houghton MBE has hailed as "truly game-changing" The FA's new women's and girls' football strategy.

Speaking following the launchof Inspiring Positive Change, in which The FA pledges to create a sustainable future for women’s and girls’ football in England, Steph said, “When I and many of my teammates were girls, opportunities to play the game were few and far between.

"To see the breadth and scale of The FA’s ambitions in the next four years is extremely exciting.

“From the incredible pledge to provide equal access to football for primary-aged girls, to the pathway created for the country’s best talent to fulfil their potential – this strategy is truly game-changing.

“This new strategy will help provide opportunities for women and girls of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to fall in love with football and enjoy the many benefits that it can bring to their life.”

Baroness Sue Campbell, The Director of Women’s Football at The FA shared her delight at the announcement.

She added: “Football has the power to change lives for the better. It can contribute to physical and mental wellbeing, it can provide opportunities to compete and collaborate with others, and it can help to shape the place of girls and women in wider society.

“Our new four-year strategy is based on understanding an individual’s motivation to play – for learning, for recreation, for competition and for excellence.

"We want to ensure there is access and opportunity for every girl and woman to play, coach, spectate, officiate, manage or administer if they so wish and the game to be truly representative of our society across all characteristics and social backgrounds.

“The FA’s new Inspiring Positive Change strategy will build upon the foundations created by The Gameplan for Growth and deliver truly transformational change to the women’s and girls’ game.”

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