Did you know the first recorded women’s football match is believed to have been a Ladies’ International played in Edinburgh with Scotland against England in 1881!
Not everyone was happy about this though and they faced opposition from those who thought playing football was unseemly for women.
The British Ladies Football Club had its first game in 1895 and 10,000 spectators showed up. Thankfully the crowd cheered the ladies at the final whistle! It was the start of something big.
If only England’s Football Association (FA) had been more supportive, but they actively discouraged women from playing football by blocking female clubs form venues.
Isn’t it strange how life works though, who would have guessed the effect of World War 1on women’s football? Suddenly equality was on the cards and women were encouraged to join in with football games with the men who were working in the factories. The second dawn of women’s football had arrived.
‘Girls with Goals’ is a fabulous resource for those interested in the history of women’s football. The twists and turns of the support, and lack of, they received are all detailed in a very easy to read, storytelling style.
I like how this book covers the international history of the fight for equality not only with football but for example, Patsy Takemoto Mink. She was the first Asian American women elected to the US Congress and fought for equal access to the House of Representatives gym.
What a rocky road and how brave the women were who have paved the way for today’s players.
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