The development plan for women’s football is one of FIGC’s primary objectives. The growth of the movement is clear to all: in the last twelve years, the number of girls registered has increased by 65%, going from almost 19,000 in 2008/09 to beyond 31,400 in 2019/20. It is a development that has also been aided by the decision for the FIGC to officially start organising Italy’s top-level competitions (Serie A, Serie B, Primavera, Coppa Italia and the Super Cup) from the 2018/19 season. Since then, despite the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 emergency, there has been yet another leap forward: television coverage – matches and in-depth broadcasts both included – has increased by 81%, while the social media pages of the Women’s Football Division have seen record growth in followers at 1000%.

In order to make the most of the growth of the movement, the Federation has put together, with the fundamental support of international organizations, in particular UEFA, a strategic plan to build upon the great results achieved in the last two years. The objective of the document is to bring together all aspects of the movement – from the National Teams to the Youth Sector, from the top flight to amateur divisions – under one collective vision, organically uniting the reforms and projects to be carried out from now until 2025.

"Our tomorrow, now" isn't just a slogan. Presenting the project, Gabriele Gravina, President of the FIGC, emphasised that: "It is the phrase that best expresses the development of the women’s game in Italy and, at the same time, the importance of the movement, as recognised by the FIGC. This can now be seen in practice, with daily support being given to all actors at all levels, from the footballers to the clubs, without forgetting anyone. I hope that Italy, after the UEFA Women's Champions League final which will be played in Turin next year, will soon be a candidate to host an even bigger international event".

In the next four years, the objective is to increase the number of young registered female footballers by 50%, achieve international success with the seven National Teams, improve the standard and allure of the competitions, grow the fanbase and, starting from the 2022/2023 sporting season, turn Serie A into a professional league while guaranteeing its sustainability at the same time. “FIGC was the first to adopt this historic measure – said Gravina - and we are working to be ready by the fateful date (sports season 2022/23)

In order to achieve these goals, FIGC have singled out five main areas to tackle. The first issue is visibility, with the Federation hoping to carry out marketing campaigns throughout the year to improve the image and appeal of women’s football. There is then the issue concerning participation and the importance of increasing the game’s accessibility, removing social barriers and guaranteeing the youngest players the opportunity to follow their passion in a safe and secure environment. The standard will be improved across every level and, with regards to the National Teams, a framework of excellence for development and talent will be guaranteed, with the well-being and growth of female footballers at its core. To get the very most out of the opportunity, there is also the hope of creating a network of sponsors dedicated to women’s football, which would increase available funds via a balanced approach involving partners, broadcasters and media outlets.

These goals will only be achieved through the involvement of every part of the Federation and every member of the football system. The aim is to support coaches, referees, teachers, parents and families and help every girl fulfil her wish to play football, and to do our very best to offer female footballers and football enthusiasts an exciting and unforgettable experience.

“Passion, determination and elegance are shared attributes that link the movement across all levels, from the National Sides to the Youth Sector, from the top flight to amateur divisions. We will work to bring together these various aspects under one collective vision, well aware that this is the perfect moment to complete the cultural revolution that has been pending in our country for years,” President Gravina concluded.

The FIGC’s Strategy for Women’s and Girls’ Football 2021-2025