Summer of Sport

Thank YOU for helping our heroes of tomorrow

Well, the temperature soared and so did our sports stars. First, the Lionesses made history by beating Germany 2-1 in the final of the Women’s Euros 2022. Then the action moved to Birmingham for a riveting 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The Lionesses’ victory – the most watched game in women’s football history – inspired a whole new generation of players. As National Lottery players, not only have you helped England stars like Ellen White reach the top of her game, you’re also supporting a whole host of brilliant grassroots footballers up and down the country. Thanks to you, over £50Million has been raised for women’s football in the past 10 years. Check out the carousel at the bottom of this page to read some stories from the players you have helped – and see exclusive photos of a very special National Lottery performance of Three Lions (Football's Coming Home).

The 2022 Commonwealth Games felt special right from the start when the opening ceremony paid a heartfelt tribute to Birmingham. Highlights included the England women’s hockey squad finally taking home the gold medal, and newcomer Jake Jarman scooping an incredible 4 gold medals for artistic gymnastics. There were upsets too. James Wilby beat fellow Englishman Adam Peaty to the gold medal in the 100m breaststroke and Ugandan marathon runner Victor Kiplangat managed to win the epic race despite getting lost near the end of the course.

Thanks to you, National Lottery players, over £40Million went to support the 2022 Commonwealth Games – helping our elite athletes get to the very top of their game. Scroll down this page to meet some of the athletes who gave it their all at their first Commonwealth Games.

Originally published 30th June 2022; updated 1st August 2022 and 19th August 2022

Watch England’s top goalscorer Ellen White in action

It doesn’t matter if you’re an England international or a local league hero, once you’re on the pitch you give it everything you’ve got. Watch Ellen White and Marty Trifonova – a member of Actonians LFC – team up to celebrate the £50Million of funding that has gone to women’s football over the past 10 years thanks to National Lottery players.