Today marks International Women’s Day.

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Around the world, groups will come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s equality. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Inspire Inclusion’.

To mark the occasion, Mr Dowden visited Parkside Community Primary School to take part in the #LetGirlsPlay Biggest Ever Football Session initiative led by the FA. Following the success of the Lionesses, the FA have seen transformational growth in girls’ football in England.

In 2020, the FA set an ambitious target for 75% of school to deliver equal access to football in PE lessons by 2024. This target was successfully met one year ahead of schedule as the future of women’s and girls’ football has never been brighter.

During Mr Dowden’s visit to Parkside Community Primary School, he received a presentation from Year 6 girls about how the Lionesses recent successes have inspired them to play more football at school. Mr Dowden was then able to see the girls taking part in their football session, which included drills, ball skills and game situations.

Mr Dowden said: ‘Pleased to mark International Women’s Day today with a visit to Parkside Community Primary School in Borehamwood to take party in the #LetGirlsPlay Biggest Ever Football Session initiative led by the FA.

It was fantastic to see so many girls taking part in this initiative and hearing about how they have been inspired by the Lionesses recent successes.’

Mr Dowden added: ‘I also enjoyed taking part in their football drills! Who knows, we could be witnessing future Lionesses right before our eyes!’

To read more about the FA’s #LetGirlsPlay initiative, please visit https://www.englandfootball.com/play/youth-football/in-education/letgir…;