Legacy of UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 in Sheffield

To inspire generations of players and fans Sheffield City Council have produced a film marking one year on from the UEFA Women’s Euro in 2022. The film, directed by Rob Speranza from the South Yorkshire Filmmakers Network, gives a flavour of Sheffield’s arts and heritage programme which ran alongside the tournament.

In the film you will see the role of women in football celebrated with everything from pop-up workshops with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Manor and Castle choir, to an intergenerational football match which references and celebrates the history of the women’s game, which can be viewed at https://furd.org/stoppage-time

The Lionesses journey has been exceptional and has galvanised an entire nation and beyond. The excitement of the UEFA Women’s Euro swept over the UK in the summer of 2022 with the ultimate triumph for England’s Lionesses on 31st July. The cup came home with the Lionesses roaring to victory over Germany in a 2 -1 win in extra time at Wembley. The success of the Lionesses captured the imagination of the public with celebrations reverberating across the country for days after the tournament had ended.

In Sheffield, we welcomed thousands of international visitors which contributed to the increase in footfall in the city centre by a massive 10,000 during match days, which managed to boost the economy by an incredible £8.3m.

With the European title under their belts England entered the World Cup in 2023 as one of the favourites. The squad included a strong Yorkshire contingent with captain Millie Bright, and team players, Esme Morgan, Beth England, and Ellie Roebuck. The England team were the first to reach a Women’s World Cup final and kicked off their campaign on 21^st July. Sadly, despite gallant efforts all round England lost out, by 1 – 0, by an incredibly sharp Spanish team on 20^th August.

Photo by Connor Coyne on Unsplash

We can be extremely proud of the magnificent campaign England ladies have played in rejuvenating the Women’s game and putting England back on the international football map. With Sarina Wiegman at the helm, England is sure to come back better and stronger!