I'm loathed to speak about this however I'm sick of the narrative around women sport that its not as good as the men's, no one watches, its not worth investing in blah blah blah. But here we are ... 

In a recent broadcast, talkSPORT host Alan Brazil dismissed Manchester United's investment in their women's team, asserting that "people around the world are not bothered" about women's football. Personally, I feel this perspective not only undermines the significant strides women's football has made but also overlooks the tangible benefits of investing in the women's game.

Contrary to Brazil's claim, women's football has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity. The Women's Super League (WSL) in England reported a 267% increase in attendances in the first half of the 2022/23 season compared to the previous year. This growth is attributed to strategic initiatives like hosting 'Big Games' in larger venues and enhanced marketing efforts from some of the larger clubs who have chosen to invest. 

Moreover, the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup generated over $570 million in revenue, underscoring the global appeal and commercial viability of women's football. 

Investing in women's sports yields substantial economic returns. A study by Deloitte predicted that in 2024, revenue generated by women's elite sports will surpass $1 billion for the first time, with commercial income being the major growth driver. 

Additionally, the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup contributed nearly $1.9 billion to the global GDP, creating over 38,000 jobs and adding $932 million to household incomes. These are figures cited by FIFA themselves. But apparently, Globally, no one cares right? 

The growth of women's football is particularly impressive given its historical challenges. In England, the Football Association banned women's football from 1921 to 1971, significantly hindering its development. Even today, women's football faces underfunding at the grassroots level, with limited access to quality facilities and resources as the men. 

Investing in women's football does not detract from the men's game; rather, it enriches the entire football ecosystem. Enhanced support for women's teams leads to increased fan engagement, diversified revenue streams, and broader community involvement. It's not a zero-sum game but a collective advancement of the sport. It doesn't need to be an 'us or them' mentality. No one is saying the women are better than the men, the games are different, but why cant they exist together without the men feeling like were taking from them? 

For those with sisters, daughters and granddaughters aspiring to play football, it's crucial to foster an environment that offers equal opportunities. By investing in women's football, we inspire young girls to pursue their passions, promoting values of equality and empowerment. But to a misogynistic old white man, things are fine how they are for him so why should it change? Is that what he tells his granddaughter, no one cares what she wants? How about we tell young women and girls the same thing we tell boys, you can do anything, be anything? 

Dismissing the significance of women's football overlooks its rapid growth, economic potential, and societal benefits. Investing in the women's game is not just a matter of fairness but a strategic move that promises substantial returns for the sport as a whole.

Women like sport too, crazy right?!