ENGLAND’S Euros triumph will see a big surge in women and girls playing grassroots football in Essex.
That’s the view of Colchester United Women head coach Milly Morgan, who is sure there will be a boost in the number of girls and families getting involved in the sport as a result of the Lionesses’ success.
The Lionesses beat Spain on penalties following a dramatic final to retain their European title and become the first England team to lift a major trophy on foreign soil.
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Morgan, who is also Equality and Inclusion Officer at the Essex County FA, said: “It’s an incredible moment not just for the team but generally for the country.
“I think the impact will be felt right across grassroots football as well as more specifically, across Essex and East Anglia.
“Every time the Lionesses step up and succeed, whether it be the Euros wins or reaching the World Cup Final, they continue to inspire a new generation each time.
“A new group of young people don’t just dream that it’s possible, they see it’s possible and believe it’s possible.
“We will see more young girls coming to sessions, more interest from families and new groups of people and communities that haven’t accessed football before, conversations in schools, conversations in clubs about the women’s game.
“We’ve seen so many new women’s teams across Essex this year just ready for the new season.
“Winning the Euros is going to continue to accelerate that momentum, which is incredible to see.
“It’s all about providing a pathway where players and talent can thrive and there’s opportunity and support at the right level – the more opportunities you’ve got, the more we create the right opportunities for every player.
“There are so many players that can be role models and inspire young players now.
“We’ve seen something special, not just in the result but in the way they’ve done it.
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“They’ve had some challenging performances but they’re fearless and work together, as a team.
“You can really see the culture that’s built within the squad.
“It’s not just about individual talent, although there’s been some great demonstrations of that.
“They clearly trust and believe in each other and their collective standards, as a group.
“The key to success for any group or team is being resilient, being able to overcome setbacks and relish pressure and rise to the challenge that big tournaments bring.
“I think everyone brings that to the dressing room in this squad that they’ve got at the moment.”
Morgan is about to embark on his first season as Colchester United Women’s head coach, following her appointment in the role earlier this summer.
The newly-promoted U’s begin their Eastern Region Women’s League campaign as Hashtag United Reserves, on August 17.
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“That togetherness and team ethic is something we place a huge amount of importance on, the standards that we set for the team,” added Morgan.
“We want to build something special at Colchester United Women and building from the ground up takes not just a committed team but also, a team that understands the journey you’re on.
“Talent definitely builds into that but it will only take you so far and we’re looking for players who are looking to be a part of something bigger, who want to work as a group, who want to support the team, who are willing to work hard, who understand that in some games you start, some games you don’t start but regardless, you’re just as important to the squad and then when you get moment to shine, you’re take it.
“We’ve been very lucky that the players we’ve recruited have absolutely fulfilled that and have just continued to impress us, week in, week out, regardless of who we add to the squad – they just keeping doing it.”
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