Have you got an amazing young female player on your team who could become a Lioness of the future? Has she got what it takes to grow from grassroots to greatness?

If the answer’s ‘yes’, then here’s your chance to refer a player so she could take her first step on the Women’s England Talent Pathway. The referral window is open until Thursday 6th February, so now’s the perfect time to act. Since the beginning, England Football have seen over 6,724 unique referrals, featuring a host of talent they wouldn’t have discovered without the support of grassroots.

They need coaches and clubs, volunteers, match officials, teachers or anyone else working with young players, who see potential, to put them forward. Players need to be eligible to represent England to be nominated, and during the 2024/25 season, must be born in 2009, 2010 or 2011 (if you live overseas this extends to players born in 2007 and 2008 also). This could even include players who excel in other sports who may have transferable skills!

England Football want to give them the opportunity to access an inclusive and accessible pathway and, importantly, they will continue to play in their existing environment, wherever that may be. The aim is to ensure a plentiful supply of quality, diverse players to enable England to win another major tournament. In pursuit of this ambition, they’re leaving no stone unturned when it comes to finding future talent.

So… it’s over to you! If you have a player in mind, all you need to do is refer her by filling in England Football’s Player Referral Form, and they will do the rest. Check out what their Future Lioness Characteristics look like, and what they’re looking for, by following this link. You can also interact with us on social media.