Great piece from the Daily Mail on social history of women. The article is on the first women's football league. Helen Matthews aka Mrs Graham founded the first women's football team in Britain. Helen was the "goalie" and was from Stirling Scotland.
Thousands flocked to watch the women do "unwomanly" things. Scotland defeated England 3-1. After the second straight defeat, riots erupted (not unlike today!) and the game of Women's Football was banned in Scotland. Not to be put off, Mrs Graham simply moved her team south of the border.
All of the women on the Scotland team were activists for women's rights and won a major campaign for the rights of women to vote just one day after the riots had erupted.
We've come a long way, baby!
This is indeed a great article, Christine - thanks for sharing it. Those press reports are priceless! Also gave me a chance to plug my own book on early footie on my own blog...
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Mick
www.bi-gen.blogspot.com