The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of Women's Football in Britain
In the brisk chill of Boxing Day 1920, a staggering crowd of 53,000 spectators packed into Goodison Park in Liverpool—not for a men's football match—but to witness history unfold as Dick Kerr Ladies F.C. took to the field. This extraordinary turnout marked a high point in a journey that had begun decades earlier, challenging conventions and redefining the beautiful game.
Breaking Barriers in the Victorian Era
Women's football in Britain traces its origins back to the late Victorian era, notably emerging in the 1890s. These pioneering clubs blossomed amidst a backdrop of significant societal shifts, as women increasingly stepped into public life. Far from being a quiet pastime, women's football rapidly gained popularity. Teams such as the British Ladies' Football Club, established in 1895, drew thousands, challenging entrenched notions that football was exclusively a man's domain.
Dick Kerr Ladies: Stars of the Early Game
The early 20th century brought the game unprecedented prominence, and among the brightest stars were Dick Kerr Ladies F.C. Founded in 1917 by female workers of the Dick, Kerr & Co. munitions factory in Preston, Lancashire, the team quickly became national favourites. Their skilled play and spirited commitment captured imaginations, breaking attendance records and shifting perceptions. A notable highlight came in 1920 when 25,000 supporters watched the first international women's match, featuring Dick Kerr Ladies against a French side, underscoring the broad appeal women's football had achieved.
The Women's Football Ban that Shook the Game
However, the rise of women's football was not universally welcomed. In 1921, the Football Association (FA) dramatically intervened, imposing a ban on women playing on grounds affiliated with the association. Their official stance was blunt and dismissive, declaring football as "quite unsuitable for females and ought not to be encouraged." This controversial ruling sent shockwaves through the women's football community, effectively relegating the sport to the sidelines.
Determined Defiance
The ban sparked widespread outrage from players and supporters alike. Alice Kell, the resilient captain of Dick Kerr Ladies, encapsulated the defiant spirit of the era, declaring with determination, "We play for the love and we are determined to carry on." True to her word, Kell and her teammates continued their matches on non-affiliated grounds, keeping the flame alive through sheer passion and determination.
Lifting the Ban: A New Era
The FA ban, incredibly, endured for half a century until finally being lifted in 1971, a move that belatedly acknowledged the resilience and legitimacy of women's football. Today, England's women's teams are once again dazzling crowds, achieving remarkable success on both national and international stages—often surpassing the men's teams in both skill and spirit.
From the shadow of Victorian disapproval to the packed stadiums of today, women's football in Britain has experienced a remarkable evolution. Those early players, defiant and dedicated, not only pursued their love for the game but laid crucial foundations for generations to come.
