Inspired by the Lionesses: Bringing Equality, Resilience, and Movement to Learning

When England’s Lionesses clinched the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 title in a heart-stopping penalty shootout against Spain, it wasn’t just a win for women’s football—it was an inspiration for gender equality in education and a testament to the power of resilience, teamwork, and belief. Trailing 1‑0 at half-time, they fought back with Alessia Russo’s equaliser and held strong through extra time, before goalkeeper Hannah Hampton delivered two crucial saves and Chloe Kelly sealed victory with her iconic spot‑kick.

At Tagtiv8, we saw more than a sporting triumph: we saw an educational calling.

Equality in Sport, Equity in Education

“Tagtiv8 was born from a desire to make learning fair and fun for everyone. Watching mixed‑gender tag rugby showed us what’s possible: girls and boys competing on equal terms, learning together, and breaking stereotypes through movement.” That ethos - gender equality in action - became the foundation of our mission, echoed by the Lionesses on the biggest stage. Whether in tag rugby or the classroom, equitable access and inclusive engagement unlock potential. This can be seen in our ongoing support of #ThisGirlCan campaign. You can read more here.

Just as the Lionesses proved that girls and boys can thrive side by side, Tagtiv8’s approach to active learning embeds movement in maths, English, and other subjects in ways that give every pupil, regardless of gender or background, the opportunity to shine.

Resilience Under Pressure

The Lionesses’ path to victory was marked by comebacks: they overturned deficits in the quarter-final (against Sweden), the semi-final (against Italy), and again in the final—paying tribute to their mental strength and unity. Michelle Agyemang, just 19, emerged as a breakout star—scoring equaliser goals in both knockout rounds to push England through.

These are the qualities Tagtiv8 nurtures in schools: resilience, adaptability, and teamwork. Movement-based activities enable learners to build confidence through trial, physical challenge, and collective success - helping them bounce back stronger after setbacks.

Role Models On and Off the Pitch

A number of Lionesses embodied the values we champion:

• Hannah Hampton played through personal grief - losing her grandfather just days before the final—and delivered two vital penalty saves, earning Player of the Match honours in Basel.
  
• Lucy Bronze, playing every match with a fractured tibia, still stepped up to take and score the decisive penalty in the quarter-final shootout - an extraordinary act of grit.
  
• Chloe Kelly, the penalty hero, revealed a distinctive routine—spinning the ball, a hop, and knee lift - used to stay calm under pressure, and delivered once more with ice-cold composure in the final.

These real-life stories - of calm, courage, and confidence - mirror the journeys Tagtiv8 supports through movement-based learning. As students take part in our active lessons, they experience real choices, risk, collaboration, and achievement - reinforcing belief in themselves.

Bringing It Into Schools

1. Embedding Active Learning for All

Our fun, inclusive resources engage every learner - boys and girls alike - through physical games that build core skills in literacy, numeracy, and personal development. It’s learning that levels the playing field.

2. Championing Equality and Confidence

Tagtiv8 intentionally designs mixed-gender and cross‑ability activities to break down barriers, boost participation, and raise self-belief - creating environments where stereotypes fall away, and every pupil can lead and succeed.

3. Building Resilient Learners

Inspired by the Lionesses, our programmes teach confidence through movement: bouncing back from errors, celebrating progress, working together under pressure, and leaving every student believing in their potential.

What We Stand For

At Tagtiv8, our mission is clear:

“We champion active learning to give every child - regardless of background or gender - the space to thrive. Like England’s Lionesses, we bring resilience, teamwork, and equality into every lesson, creating inclusive, confidence‑building experiences that empower all learners.”

We exist because we believe learning should be fair - and fun.

Why This Matters Right Now

The Lionesses’ Euro 2025 victory marks a watershed moment for women’s football in England: they defended their title, became the first English side to win a major trophy abroad, and sparked national celebrations that included an open‑top bus parade through London and a Downing Street reception hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister.

Their achievement shines a spotlight on the importance of investing in girls’ sport and education - fuelling a conversation about equal opportunities, grassroots growth, and societal change. That’s exactly the change Tagtiv8 supports: schools committed to gender equality in education, creative active learning, and inclusive, empowering teaching.

Join the Movement

Let the Lionesses’ example inspire your school:

• Bring equality to life: use Tagtiv8’s mixed‑gender games and inclusive challenges.
• Spark resilience: integrate movement activities that challenge and empower.
• Foster confidence: let every pupil see themselves as capable, valued, and active.

Bring the spirit of the Lionesses into your classroom. Make learning active, inclusive, and empowering for all.

Want to know more?

Read our mission and contact us here.