Women's Under-19 EURO to create a lasting legacy in Belgium

"We, as players, always hope when we play for the Red Flames that we can make little girls dream of being where we are. Our goal is to be pioneers and make the future brighter for young girls who want to follow in our footsteps."

These are the words of Belgium's record appearance maker Janice Cayman, who rose through the ranks having played at the UEFA Women's Under-19 EURO in 2006.

The 34-year-old recalls the experience as a pivotal one at the beginning of a journey that has brought more than 130 caps for the Red Flames.

"It just motivates you to keep working hard to make it to the first team," she reflects. "You don’t fully realise the kind of role football is going to play in your adult life at that point. I was lucky to make it to the first team and I definitely have the experiences I had with the Women's Under-19s to thank for this."

Janice Cayman celebrates a goal at UEFA Women's EURO 2022UEFA via Getty Images

The hope is that staging the 2023 Women’s Under-19 EURO will inspire more girls to take up the game at home, with UEFA and the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) implementing a legacy programme that takes centre stage at the tournament.

Its objectives include a drive to increase participation in women’s football by 10% each year between now and 2027, encouraging more girls to actively engage with the sport throughout their teenage years.

The programme looks to first gain insights into why girls between 12 and 18 tend to drop out of football and then tackle the issue, ultimately establishing an environment where they feel welcomed and valued. This will ensure that football becomes – and remains – an integral part of their lives.

"It is not taboo anymore for girls to want to play football," Cayman says. "When I see how the girls train now, it is a lot more professional compared to when we were young. I was always the only girl among all the boys when I was young, because girls were maybe scared to play the game. Now I think young girls go out and play football with the boys. I hope the boys are also more open to this idea now that girls can also play football."

It is hoped that staging UEFA Women's Under-19 EURO will inspire more Belgian girls to take up the gameStijn Audooren / Sportpix

Acknowledging the challenges associated with retaining girls in football during their teenage years, Cayman looks back on her own experience. "I had to make a choice between football and basketball at that age," she says. "I chose football and I have zero regrets about it. Football was, and still is, my passion in life. I hope to see more girls deciding to play football on the playground, and initiatives like the legacy programme play a crucial role in making that happen."

UEFA offers tailored support and resources that resonate with girls in their formative years. Clubs are being encouraged to retain female players more effectively, through initiatives like organised visits where young players can interact with established athletes to help them better connect with the game. The programme also includes dedicated workshops that can help coaches create more inclusive training environments.

By nurturing talent and setting up an environment where girls can thrive, this programme should create a legacy that inspires generations to come.