Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Women have played football for centuries, but the first organised match was in 1895, drawing over 11,000 spectators.
During the First World War, around 150 women’s teams were established, with their games a successful way of fundraising for the war effort. In 1921, the FA banned women from playing on its pitches, a ban that lasted 50 years.
But women kept playing in public parks and smaller venues, and by the 1960s, 44 clubs formed the Women’s Football Association. The FA finally lifted the ban in 1971.
Women have played football for centuries, but the first organised match was in 1895, drawing over 11,000 spectators.
During the First World War, around 150 women’s teams were established, with their games a successful way of fundraising for the war effort. In 1921, the FA banned women from playing on its pitches, a ban that lasted 50 years.
But women kept playing in public parks and smaller venues, and by the 1960s, 44 clubs formed the Women’s Football Association. The FA finally lifted the ban in 1971.
