Like millions of people around the country, I’ve been keenly following England men’s bumpy progress at Euro 2024, and now we're all looking forward to another semi-final!
Whenever I’m watching the Three Lions or the Lionesses – or any football match – I can’t help but feel proud of our continued investment into football at Sport England.
Our goal is to make sport and physical activity a normal part of life for everyone in England, regardless of who you are.
Football is our national game and is a really important activity for us, as it is accessible and plays a big role in keeping the nation active.
Not only does it stir our emotions and help to get people talking (just think of that overhead kick v Slovakia!) but it plays a big part in the delivery of our 10-year strategy, Uniting the Movement.
Our Active Lives surveys tell us that nearly four million adults participated in football last year and nearly three million children and young people currently play once a week or more.
So whether it's through turning out for your local team in one of the thousands of brilliant grassroots clubs up and down the country, playing with mates in a local five-a-side centre, or a kickabout in the park, football provides reach into communities and audiences that are important to us.