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These days, Soccer is being acknowledged by many people as a sport that is being played by woman and men. This has not been the case for a long time though. The journey of women’s soccer has been of full of obstacles and resistance and later on success.

Like men’s soccer, women’s soccer originated in England in the 19th century. Girls in schools were allowed to play with the boys. The first official match was celebrated on March 23th 1895, England-North played against England-South. 10.000 spectators came and watched the women play in skirts and with hats on their head, this was the only way the women were allowed to dress in order to look appropriate during the game. The excitement about women’s Soccer was big, which the English Soccer association disliked, because they thought the game was not “ladylike” enough. In 1902, they prohibited men and women to compete against each other.

After the first world war though, (1914-1918), men were missing in all areas of society. This allowed women to be independent and free in more parts of society. Women worked in fabrics and played soccer with their colleagues. One of those teams, the „Dick Kerr’s Ladies“, was even known as the unofficial national team of England. Around 150 women’s teams existed, the „English Ladies Football Association“   was founded. The Games of the „Dick Kerr’s Ladies“  were being watched by 53.000 spectators.

This success ended in the same year, 1921, women were being pushed back into their old traditional roles, many of them were forced to stop working their opportunity to play soccer vanished. The value and the interest of women’s soccer went down and in October 1921the by men dominated English Soccer Association deciced, to prohibit the game for women in general, stating that women should focus on other things like their family and household.

The ban existed not only in England, but also in many other countries, such as Germany or Austria until 1970, so 49 years in total. In Germany, as an example, the DFB(german Soccer Association) claimed that the roughness of the sport would damage the fertility of women and their health as well as showing an event inappropriate for the public.

When society started to emancipate, so did the world of Soccer. So, in the 1970’s and 80’s, more women and girls had the chance to play the Game they loved. In many countries, the bans were being lifted and new leagues and national associations were founded. Additionally, the first international competitions were being played. In Hongkong, in 1975, the first Asia Cup, including six teams, was celebrated. The first European Cup was held in 1984 including 16 teams.  Until 1991, every continent had their own cup for women.  In the same year, the first World Cup took place in China, which the US won.  Since 1996, women’s soccer is also part of the Olympics.

Nowadays, women’s soccer is played all around the world. In some countries, like the US and Canada there are even more female players than male players. The impact which the ban from the 20th century has had, can still be seen though. The bans underlined the myth that football is not a women’s game, which is something women still fight against today. Women’s football still has struggles with financial support and media coverage. Many professional female soccer players have to work in a different job, besides playing Soccer. Nevertheless, women’s soccer has never been as popular as it is today. Statistically, it is experiencing record high viewing figures and generating more revenue than it ever has before. According to FIFA, in 2023, there were 16.6 million women and girls worldwide in organized soccer. The FIFA aims to increase this number to 60 million by 2026.

If you are a girl, why do you not try out the game or if you already have, ask a female friend to join you, maybe even in a club and become a part of the movement. You will see:  the sport is a lot of fun and you will learn a lot!

Sources:

https://www.spond.com/news-and-blog/the-rise-of-womens-football-in-the-ukhttps://www.sportfrauen.net/fussball/die-fruehen-anfaenge-des-frauenfussballs