FOOTBALL bosses across Southampton have spoken of the "tremendous boost" the women's game has received in the wake of England's EURO success.
Millions watched on across the country on Sunday as the Lionesses stormed to victory against Germany in the Women's EURO 2022 final.
And as well as setting a new record for attendance at a EURO final at Wembley with more than 87,000 in attendance, clubs around Southampton have now said they've received their own boost from the cup win.
Russ Kitching, the new chairman of Southampton Women's FC said the club has received many emails since England lifted the trophy.
The club - which has just signed a new five-year deal to play its games at Fareham FC - is currently working to build teams from U10s, all the way up to the women's game.
Russ said the EURO 2022 win is "great timing for the club".
Russ said: "It will attract a lot of interest which can only be a good thing. It's tremendous exposure to the sport.
"I think having the men’s game in Qatar in the winter has brought a lot more exposure to the women’s game."
He went on to call for local authorities and schools to now commit to do more to create pathways into the women's game.
Meanwhile, Martin Kerr, who co-manages AFC Totton's new women's team said the victory was "fantastic for the women’s".
"It has proved how many more people are interested in the women’s game," Martin said.
"It is a huge thing. Putting women’s football on the map for England.
READ MORE: England win Euro 2022 to make football and women’s sport history
"We hope that the more exposure and the more popular it gets, we will get more people through to watch."
Marieanne Spacey-Cale, Southampton FC’s head of Women’s and Girls, made 91 appearances for England during her career.
She said: “It really was amazing. The match itself swung one way then the other but for the England girls to show such character and get the winner was an outstanding achievement.
“It is just a feeling of pride and admiration for what the team has achieved. Every time there was a hurdle, they had the answer and the team spirit and togetherness was so special to see.
“(Sunday) was such an inspiration for all those watching on.
"Especially all the proud Lionesses’ of yesteryear, who built the foundations over the years and smashed down all the barriers put in front of them to give the whole success of this tournament a chance.
“You could see thousands of little girls and boys at Wembley watching on and what they saw (on Sunday) can only encourage them to get out and play football at whatever level."
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