Yahoo News Manchester United Women captain Alex Greenwood wants Lionesses' World Cup to inspire next generation
Manchester United captain Alex Greenwood wants England to inspire a new generation of female footballers at this summer’s World Cup.
Greenwood, 25, features in Phil Neville’s squad which will travel to France and hope to take on the world next month.
But research by Powerleague reveals that only an astonishing 31% of women expect to watch any of the tournament at all.
And the former Liverpool, Everton and Notts County player reckons it’s on the existing generation of women footballers to serve as role models.
She said: “When I was younger, I was always accepted as a female player which is fortunate as I know that’s not the case for everyone.
“Since I’ve become professional, the game has grown so much. The more success we can have and the more we can do to promote it, then the only way is up for women’s football.
“I think it’s fantastic that Powerleague are promoting women’s football. It encourages confidence if women know where they can go and play a game of football without being judged.”
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The first Red Devils captain moved to the Women’s Championship from Super League club Liverpool last summer.
She described the move as a risk, but agreed it ‘paid off’ as United won promotion at the first attempt in her first season.
Scoring five goals from left-back, she helped lead Casey Stoney’s charges to seal promotion with three games to spare.
England’s group in France comprises Scotland, Argentina and Japan, with the Lionesses currently ranked third in the world.
But Greenwood believes she can draw on her experience from this season to help push England on to a successful World Cup.
A potential success which, she believes, can help encourage more women to get into football.
“I see myself as a role model and if I can get more girls playing, then I’ve definitely done my job,” she added.
For more information on Powerleague and women’s football, please visit: Powerleague.co.uk/football/womens to #LevelThePlayingField
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