As a sports fan (including the soaring Lionesses) and a passionate advocate for gender equality and equity, I am deeply concerned about the lack of representation and visibility of women in fantasy football. It is time to address this issue and ensure that all football enthusiasts, regardless of their gender, have equal opportunities to participate in this beloved game.

The absence of women players in fantasy football perpetuates the notion that only men can fully engage with the sport on a strategic level. This not only undermines the talents and knowledge possessed by countless girls and women fans but also sends a discouraging message to young girls who aspire to be part of the game as well as a clearer message to boys and men. 

It is essential that we recognize the significant contributions made by women athletes both on and off the field. Women's involvement in professional sports has been steadily increasing over recent years, with remarkable achievements across various disciplines that we are only just starting to see more widely, because more outlets televise. By including women players in fantasy football platforms, we can celebrate their accomplishments while fostering inclusivity within our community.

Here are some relevant facts supporting our cause:

1. According to a study conducted by Nielsen Sports (2019), 84% of general sports fans are interested in women's sports.

2. The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) experienced record-breaking attendance during its 2021 season (source: NWSL website).

3. The United States Women's National Team (USWNT) has won four FIFA World Cup titles—more than any other national team (source: FIFA website).

According to FIFA there are 29 million women and girls playing football worldwide and the aim is facilitate 60 million by 2026. The Union of European Football Associations ( UEFA ) estimates that European women's football could see a sixfold increase in commercial value over the next decade, reaching an annual value of €686 million by 2033, with club sponsorship set to increase to €295 million in that time.

Women’s football is rapidly growing around the world. In England, the total attendance during the 2022/23 Women’s Super League (WSL) season surpassed 680,000, 172% higher than the 2021/2022 season, with average attendance per game-week nearly tripling. This was supported by the use of larger stadiums.

In Germany, the women’s Bundesliga achieved a 231% attendance increase during the 2022/23 season compared to 2021/22.

AS Roma broke an attendance record for a women’s football match in Italy during their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final home leg with 39,454 fans.

In Portugal, attendance records fell one after the other in recent months, including a record 27,000 fans in attendance at the Lisbon derby between Benfica and Sporting at the Estádio da Luz.

In Wales, Wrexham AFC set a new women’s domestic fixture attendance record with 9,511 spectators, breaking the previous record of 5,175 set in October of 2022.

At the Women's EUROs, eight attendance records were broken, culminating with an 87,192 strong crowd at the Final that broke the EUROs (women’s and men’s) competition record. With the global cumulative live viewership over 374 million across 197 territories.Host Cities received a £81 million boost in economic activity as a result of the Tournament. As well as:

110,555 international fans travelled to England from across 104 countries.

74% of local residents felt that the Tournament brought their community closer together.

79% of Legacy Programme participants reported improved confidence and self-esteem.

453 million cumulative social interactions, with 39% on TikTok and 21% on Twitter.

The latest visibility report from the Women’s Sport Trust, with data from Futures Sport and Entertainment, has revealed the additional positive impact of the Women’s Euros has had on growing women’s sport consumption in the UK, not just for football, and in attracting a young, women’s audience - 27% of the 15.8 million new viewers to women’s sport in 2022 (based on not watching any other women’s sport in 2022) from the Women’s Euros, have gone onto watch more women’s sport in August and September, with 46% of those going onto watch women’s cricket and a further 46% watching more women’s football.

By incorporating  girls and women athletes into fantasy football leagues and platforms, we can amplify their visibility while encouraging more people to follow their careers closely. This will undoubtedly have positive ripple effects on both professional leagues' viewership numbers as well as grassroots access and participation among young girls aspiring to be football players.

I urge fantasy football platforms, league organizers, and sports media outlets to take immediate action and make the necessary changes to include women players in their offerings. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all football fans.

Together, let us champion gender equality and equity in sports and ensure that women's contributions are accurately recognised and celebrated within the realm of fantasy football. Sign this petition today to show your support for equal opportunities for women in fantasy football!