Chichester MP flew to Lyon to take part in world record-breaking game of women’s football (Saturday 29th June). Gillian is part of the UK Parliamentary women’s football team who went over to add their support to the campaign run by Equal Playing Field. Lyon was chosen as it is the biggest-spending women’s football club, pioneers in women’s football and hosts of the World Cup semi-finals and final. The Football Festival itself took place at the club training ground by women old and young, and at every skill level.
After 69 hours of continuous play, 807 players on the pitch and a score of 404 - 369, the Equal Playing Field Campaign completed their goal and achieved the world record attempt for the largest number of players to appear continuously in a 5-a-side match.
Gillian and her team were on the pitch for the early afternoon slot on Saturday for nearly two hours in forty-degree heat. The Chichester MP did not seem to mind, posting on social media her excitement of being world record holders.
Gillian said: ‘Growing up football was at the heart of my home city of Liverpool and like many across the country, I have really enjoyed watching the FIFA Women’s World Cup.’
‘Sport, and in particular football, is the most unifying and inspiring peace and development tool in the world.’
‘There is a lot more to do to gain equality in sport and in particular football but the Lionesses have done a lot to change the perception of women’s football and long may it continue.’
Tracey Crouch MP who founded the Parliamentary women’s team said: ‘We would all like to be lionesses’
