THE Lionesses success in the Euros will have a “massive impact” on women’s football, says a Dorset coach.

Female football players, coaches and managers have reacted to England’s 4-0 win over Sweden on Tuesday which saw them secure a place in the Euros 2022 final.

For many, the coverage being given to The Lionesses is an exciting glimpse into the future of women’s football.

Jemma Tewkesbury, football development officer at Dorset FA, said: “Girls have always had role models in the women’s game but now they’ve got even more because it’s out there, it’s on tv and it’s visible.

“Social media has been a massive drive in promoting what the girls have done with England. As a young person watching you can aspire to be like them.”

Women’s football teams across Dorset were sure to celebrate on Tuesday night. Lou Fern, manager of women’s team New Milton Town, spoke of her team’s excitement as the goals came in.

She said: “The group chats have been buzzing during the games. The girls are thoroughly enjoying it.

“The impact of something like this is massive. Its only going to do good things for women's football.

"I've been involved in women and girl's football for about 17 years now. When I first started, it was quite difficult to recruit girls and get them interested but now, it's becoming more and more accepted.

Stuart Gard, coach for the Mudeford Phoenix women’s team, said: "The win was really important because it gives girls a goal to aim for.

"When I started with girl's football, there was no real progression, it was just girls playing football and most walked away at 16 and 17. Now, there's lots of opportunities, and they can see them.

"Not everyone will be a world class player, but they can be a referee, they can be a coach. There’s just a lot more opportunities now."