E.ON UK is joined by Sarina Wiegman to discuss progress in women’s sport

The film is part of E.ON UK’s nationwide ‘Powering Performance’ campaign, which aims to increase and retain female participation in sport across all levels – from casual physical activity to elite competition. Born out of the ‘Women in Sport’ Forum in 2024, the initiative reflects E.ON UK’s long-term commitment to making sport more inclusive and strengthening communities. By understanding the barriers that still prevent women and girls from participating, the research aims to drive meaningful, lasting change.

E.ON UK believes that the qualities developed through sport, such as confidence, resilience and teamwork, translate into personal and professional success across industries, including the energy sector. Creating opportunities for more women and girls to take part not only helps dismantle barriers but also supports the development of more diverse perspectives, which ultimately strengthens organisations, communities and the country as a whole.

These aspirations are shared by the English FA which has overseen a historic period of growth for the women’s and girls’ game since the Lionesses historic success at the home EUROs in 2022. Over the last four years, the number of girls participating in football has more than doubled, rising from 1.2 million in the 2020/21 season to 2.7 million in 2024/25. There have also been significant increases in the number of women getting into coaching and refereeing, while investment into talent pathway continues to make the route into becoming a professional player more accessible and diverse.

Sarina’s accolades speak for themself - a highly decorated head coach and former international who began her career as a PE teacher. She is the first coach to win major European titles with two nations, having achieved success in 2017 with the Netherlands and again in 2022 with England, an achievement which was repeated in 2025. The legacy she and the Lionesses have created from these tournaments has had a lasting impact on women’s sport in the UK and importantly established a new collective of role models for the next generation.

She sat down with Scarlett Archer, Sky Sports Presenter, and Elle Mann, Staveley Miners Welfare FC Ladies Captain, at the world-class national football centre for the English Football Association, St George’s Park. Both are in their late teens and have career aspirations within sport. This discussion gave them the perfect opportunity to ask advice from one of sports’ most respected role models.

In the film, Sarina shares her perspective on the growth of the game and the key areas that influence participation, progression, confidence and inclusion. She highlighted key points of progress within the last decade and how it has generated momentum to make sport more inclusive for future generations.  

Other key topics include allyship, biological challenges (including puberty, pregnancy and menopause), overcoming stereotypes and media narratives, the importance of encouragement in childhood and hopes for the future.

In the film, Sarina Wiegman said: “I think having a role model [for young girls] is key. We always say ‘what you can see you can be’ but when you can’t see it, it’s hard to be it. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a PE teacher and work with people.  I had a great PE teacher in primary school, but I didn’t see any female coaches, so I didn’t think that was an opportunity. I am grateful to all those trailblazers who have worked so hard to create opportunities so I could become a coach.”

Scott Somerville, Director of External Affairs at E.ON UK, said: “Sarina, Scarlett and Elle are all shining examples of the importance of female participation in sport. We are thrilled to have had them onboard with this project, reflecting on their experiences in this meaningful and thought-provoking film.  

“As an organisation, we are committed to creating a workplace where women can thrive which is why we run the nationwide ‘Powering Performance’ campaign alongside our other investments in initiatives that support women, including our colleagues, through every stage of their personal and professional lives. We remain committed to continuing to make a real difference for our colleagues, our customers and our communities.”

E.ON UK recently commissioned a Women in Sport Survey, which launched in November 2025. With the survey findings expected to be released in Spring, it is expected to identify the main factors that affect female participation in sport through quantitative data.

As an organisation, E.ON UK is committed to creating a workplace where women can thrive. It is accredited both Menopause Friendly and Fertility Friendly - recently signing the national Fertility Support Pledge to improve workplace rights for anyone undergoing fertility treatment.

If you would like to have your say on this important topic, you can take part in the Women in Sport Survey here.