Over the past few decades, women’s football has gradually gained more recognition, respect, and support. Women’s football has undergone a transformation and within a short period, it has become a global sensation.
Women’s football has existed for over a century, but for a long time, it remained a sport mostly played at the amateur level. Despite being excluded from professional competitions, women continued to play football, and in the 20th century, several all-female teams emerged. The first recorded public women’s football game was played in 1895 in Scotland. The match was held in Edinburgh, and it allegedly attracted over 12,000 spectators.
The women’s football was banned in England by the Football Association (FA) in 1921. This decision came about because of growing concerns that football was detrimental to women’s health, and conflicts with male-led football clubs who believed that women’s football was not a lady-like activity. As such, women were restricted from playing on FA-affiliated pitches until 1971.
In the United States, women’s football grew in popularity during World War II. American women played football to entertain and raise money for the war effort. For example, the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) made women’s football a professional sport. However, after the end of the war, the popularity of women’s football dwindled.
The remergence of modern women’s football began in 1970 when the Italian Women’s National Football Team played the first international football match. Sweden followed suit in 1973, and by the 1980s, several other countries had joined. This led to the formation of the Women’s European Football Championship (WEFC) in 1984, which became one of the world’s most significant women’s football tournaments.
In 1991, FIFA decided to establish a women’s equivalent of the men’s World Cup. The first FIFA Women’s World Cup was held in China, and twelve teams participated in the tournament. Since then, the FIFA Women’s World Cup has been held every four years.
Over the past two decades, women’s football has become increasingly popular worldwide, making significant strides in terms of professionalism, recognition, and media coverage. In 2017, UEFA published its first-ever women’s football strategy, highlighting the importance of empowering and supporting women’s football in Europe. The strategy aims to increase participation at all levels, improve commercial opportunities, and develop media exposure for women’s football.
In addition, female footballers are now earning as much as their male counterparts. The minimum salary in the French women’s football league is €16,000, and several female footballers earn considerably more. In 2020, Alex Morgan signed a deal with Tottenham Hotspur in the Women’s Super League, making her the highest-paid female footballer in the world.
Women’s football has inspired an entire generation of young girls to take up the sport. It sends a positive message that football is not just a sport for men, but it is a game for all. Since the rise of women’s football, numerous grassroots programs and initiatives have emerged, aiming to encourage young girls to take up the sport.
The success of women’s football is proof that sports can create social change and influence women’s empowerment. Women’s football is breaking down barriers, challenging gender stereotypes, and creating role models that young girls can look up to.
In conclusion, the rise of women’s football is a testament to the unwavering spirit and determination of women. From the early days of women’s football, when women faced severe discrimination and exclusion, to the present day, when women are celebrated and revered on the global stage, women’s football is a symbol of hope and inspiration for women worldwide. Women’s football is a beautiful game that celebrates diversity, equality, and progress.