Following a report that claimed 44% of secondary schools in England, external offer girls equal access to football in PE lessons, Kelly also hopes England’s success can be a turning point.
She grew up playing cage football with her five brothers and their friends, while also playing in the boys’ school football team and at QPR.
“You also want to be in an environment where you are comfortable and that is massive for young girls,” Kelly said.
“There will be a massive turning point from this summer. The girls, as a group, we want to make a change and if we can do that, that is massive. Girls being able to do what they love, no matter the quality, let’s go and play.”
England goalkeeper Mary Earps added: “I’m having so many messages from so many people saying how great it was and how their daughter especially, but sons too, are in the garden practising their goalkeeping or playing football.
“That is what we want. We want girls to have access. Football is the best sport in the world, everyone just wants to play.”
Earps added that football “absolutely should be on the curriculum” and says she was fortunate to attend schools that were “quite facilitating”.
“I was also quite stubborn, playing football with the boys,” the 29-year-old told BBC Breakfast. “Girls and boys were separated; girls played netball and tennis, which were seen as more ‘feminine’ sports.
“Women can do whatever we want. We need to break out of the boxes and moulds people have been putting us in for years. We can achieve great things.”
Forward Alessia Russo said: “One turning point from this tournament is to make sure these girls have access not just for the next few years, but for the rest of their lives.”