SWINDON Town Women director of football Tom Hartley hopes the upcoming Women’s European Championships in England can inspire the next generation of fans, players, and coaches.

Hartley says it is time for the country to “get excited about women’s football” and back Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses as they aim to lift a major tournament trophy for the first time.

As tournament hosts, England kick off their campaign against Austria at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. They will also take on Northern Ireland and Norway in a tough group.

And Hartley is keener than most to see England do well as not only does he want Swindon’s women’s team to benefit as a result, but his wife Lucy is head of marketing and communications for the tournament.

Lucy Roberts Hartley said: “The Women’s Euros 2022 will be a record-breaking tournament.

“With over 500,000 tickets sold nationwide, we can see that there is more engagement and excitement than ever before for women’s football in England”

“We hope the impact of the Women’s Euros will be game-changing and help give every young girl the opportunity to play football.”

And encouraging more young girls to join their local clubs is precisely what Swindon’s director of football hopes to see happen in Wiltshire.

Having already declared that he is trying to make Town the go-to club for women in the area, Hartley says this summer is the perfect time for the next Ellen White, Nikita Parris, or Steph Houghton to begin their journey in the game.

He said: “The Women’s Euros creates an amazing platform for the country to get excited about women’s football.

“This is also an amazing time to come and show your support for Swindon Town Women. We are at the beginning of a journey to become a leading light for women’s football in the region.”

Town Women – who start their new league campaign in mid-August – begin their pre-season fixtures at Foundation Park on Sunday, July 10 when they take on National League North side Burnley FC at 2pm.