On Thursday 20 November 2025, The FA and Barclays released the findings of the annual Equal Access to Football in Schools survey – and the results show encouraging progress. This year, 90% of schools offering Key Stage 2 and/or Key Stage 3 provision are now delivering equal access to football within the curriculum, up from 88% in 2024. 

This milestone means The FA’s curriculum target, part of their Inspiring Positive Change Through Football strategy, has been reached three years ahead of schedule. It also reinforces the Youth Sport Trust’s drive to level the playing field for all young people, particularly girls who have historically faced barriers to accessing sport. 

Since 2020, the number of girls attending schools with equal access has risen significantly to 2.6 million (an increase of 31% since 2020/21) showing real momentum towards long-term, societal change.  

This shift in demand and provision has been driven on the ground in schools through the work of more than 300 Strategic Leads across England. Their role, funded by Barclays, is to influence and empower schools to embed equal access in ways that are meaningful and sustainable. 

The Youth Sport Trust recruits, activates and supports this network, ensuring Strategic Leads are equipped with the skills, tools and national alignment needed to drive change at a local level. 

The Strategic Lead network is built on the belief that equal access has the power to change lives. Aisha, a Year 11 student in the Midlands, is one of many examples. 

Quiet and lacking confidence in Year 9, Aisha struggled to connect with peers and found it hard to participate fully in school life. When her local Strategic Lead introduced a girls-only extra-curricular football club, she decided to give it a go. Over time, she grew in confidence, stayed for full sessions, formed strong friendships, and discovered new strengths. 

Today, Aisha is more assertive and communicative, takes on leadership roles and supports younger girls to get involved. Her journey reflects the Youth Sport Trust’s ambition to inspire young changemakers and build generational shift by equipping girls with confidence, resilience and leadership skills that extend far beyond the pitch. 

Leadership development is central to our shared ambition with The FA. One programme that embodies this is Barclays Game On - GO Lead, which helps girls in Key Stage 3 develop their leadership abilities through football. 

Megan, another beneficiary, began secondary school unsure of where she fit into football. There were no girls’ teams, and opportunities were limited. Through Barclays Game On - GO Lead, she was able to take on responsibility for planning and delivering sessions which transformed her confidence, behaviour and leadership skills. 

Programmes like Barclays Game On - GO Lead support the Youth Sport Trust’s wider aim of creating youth leadership pathways that are inspiring, accessible and meaningful for all. 

Despite strong progress, inequalities remain. The Equal Access survey data shows that girls experiencing higher levels of income deprivation are less likely to attend a school offering equal access as they move through their school years, especially into Key Stage 4. Addressing this remains a key priority. 

One Strategic Lead championing this work is Helen Tonks from King Edward VI in Aston, Birmingham. Helen and colleagues Joe Kelly, Hannah Reed and Phil Homer were recognised at the recent awards for their Outstanding Contribution to Diversity. Speaking about the role football can play in breaking down inequalities, Helen said: 

“The delivery of our Barclay’s girls’ football programme has been key to breaking down social, cultural and economic barriers for girls in our area. Providing a safe place to access the game has allowed girls to find commonality, regardless of their background, religion or personal circumstances, through their shared love of the game. Football has been a great leveller in our area and has created a sense of belonging for girls who want to play, lead or officiate in football.”