The history of women's football: everything you wanted to know

History Extra Podcast Summary: The History of Women's Football: Everything You Wanted to Know

Release Date: July 12, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "The History of Women's Football: Everything You Wanted to Know," hosted by Spencer Mizzen and featuring renowned sports historian Jean Williams, listeners are taken on an in-depth journey through the evolution of women's football in Britain and beyond. The conversation delves into the early roots of the sport, pivotal moments that shaped its trajectory, and the ongoing battle for recognition and equality within the footballing world.

Early Evidence of Women's Football in Britain (02:37 - 05:00)

The discussion begins by exploring the earliest records of women participating in football-like games in Britain. Prior to the Football Association's codification of the sport in 1863, women engaged in various forms of folk football across the British Isles.

Jean Williams explains:

"We have different records of women playing football for as long as football has been played. Specifically, we have things like married women versus single women matches in Scotland... these games were often linked with agrarian celebrations, such as harvest festivals." ([02:53])

These early games differed significantly from the modern version, often played with symbolic objects like seeds and were deeply intertwined with community festivities.

Differences Between Early Games and Modern Football (05:00 - 09:12)

Williams highlights the contrast between historical women's football and today's standardized matches:

"The women's football games were not strictly 11 aside but were played in the folk spirit of an invasion game, essentially." ([04:19])

These matches were more chaotic and community-driven, focusing on local rivalries and celebrations rather than structured play.

Influence of Feminist Movements on Women's Football (09:12 - 14:26)

The conversation shifts to the intersection of women's football with the broader feminist movements of the time. Williams emphasizes how the push for women's suffrage and rights provided a foundation for women to assert their presence in public spaces, including sports.

Jean Williams states:

"It was about women assertively entering male public spaces... linked with suffrage and women's rights." ([10:37])

This period saw women using football as a platform to challenge societal norms and demonstrate their capabilities beyond domestic roles.

Impact of World War I on Women's Football (14:26 - 28:58)

World War I emerged as a significant catalyst for the growth of women's football. With men enlisted in the military, women stepped into roles traditionally held by men, including factory work. This shift provided women with the financial independence and social freedom to engage in sports like football.

Williams explains:

"Young working-class women went to factories, earning more money than in service and gaining the right to leisure outside the home... from there, women's football teams emerged." ([14:26])

Prominent teams such as Atalanta Ladies and Dick Kerr's Ladies gained popularity, drawing large crowds and becoming symbols of female empowerment.

The FA's Ban on Women's Football (28:58 - 40:18)

Despite the burgeoning popularity, the Football Association (FA) imposed a ban on women's football in 1921, citing the sport as unsuitable for women. This decision marginalized the women's game for nearly five decades.

Jean Williams discusses:

"The FA issued a ban on women playing on any pitch affiliated to the Football Association... this ban was in place until 1970." ([26:34])

The ban not only suppressed women's football but also entrenched gender biases, portraying female players as deviant or unfeminine.

Persistence and Marginalization (40:18 - 42:17)

During the ban, women's football persisted through the efforts of unpaid volunteers and smaller, community-based teams. The Manchester Corinthians, founded in 1949 by Percy Ashley for his daughter, exemplified the resilience and passion that kept women's football alive despite institutional obstacles.

The Unofficial 1971 Women's World Cup in Mexico (31:43 - 37:34)

A pivotal moment came with the 1971 unofficial Women's World Cup held in Mexico. Organized by private entities and supported by massive crowds, the event showcased the immense potential and popularity of women's football on an international stage.

Williams recounts:

"The final in the Azteca was 110,000... it was sold as a big, ambitious event with extensive media coverage." ([35:15])

However, FIFA's intervention post-event stifled further growth, delaying the establishment of an official Women's World Cup until 1991.

Title IX and the Rise of American Women's Football (37:22 - 40:50)

The episode explores the contrasting trajectories of women's football in the United States, where Title IX legislation in 1972 mandated gender equality in educational programs, including sports. This led to robust support for women's soccer, culminating in the USA's dominance in international competitions.

Jean Williams explains:

"Title IX... enabled comparable amounts to be spent on female athletes within colleges, fostering talent that would lead to USA's success in 1991." ([38:05])

The FA's Resumption and Modern Advances (40:50 - 42:17)

The FA formally resumed involvement in women's football in 1993, albeit slowly and amid resistance from the existing women's football community. Key appointments, such as Hope Powell as the first full-time England women's coach in 1998, marked incremental progress towards professionalization and recognition.

The 2022 Euros Victory and Its Impact (42:17 - 43:59)

A landmark achievement discussed is England's victory in the 2022 UEFA Women's Euro. Williams describes this as a "seismic" moment that significantly boosted the visibility and popularity of women's football in Britain.

"It proved that women's football could sell out major stadiums... a completely joyful Wembley Stadium." ([42:17])

The triumph not only celebrated athletic excellence but also inspired future generations, symbolizing the culmination of decades of struggle and advocacy.

Conclusion

The episode concludes by reflecting on the journey of women's football from grassroots folk games to international recognition. Jean Williams emphasizes the sport's role in advancing women's rights and its ongoing evolution towards equality and professionalism.

Notable Quotes:

Jean Williams on early women's football:

"We have different records of women playing football for as long as football has been played." ([02:53])
Jean Williams on the FA's ban:

"The FA issued a ban on women playing on any pitch affiliated to the Football Association... this ban was in place until 1970." ([26:34])
Jean Williams on the impact of Title IX:

"Title IX... enabled comparable amounts to be spent on female athletes within colleges, fostering talent that would lead to USA's success in 1991." ([38:05])
Jean Williams on the 2022 Euros:

"It proved that women's football could sell out major stadiums... a completely joyful Wembley Stadium." ([42:17])

Final Thoughts

This comprehensive exploration by Jean Williams and Spencer Mizzen underscores the resilience, passion, and strategic advocacy that have propelled women's football into the spotlight. From battling institutional barriers to achieving historic victories, women's football continues to carve its place in the annals of sports history.

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