For the love of the game: 100 defiant years of womxn's football

In 1921, the FA banned womxn from football for 50 years, effectively erasing the womxn’s game. This is a history which must not be forgotten.

2021 marks 100 years on from the infamous ban and 100 defiant years of womxn's football.

Goal Diggers FC is a non-profit club set up in London to make football more available and accessible to all women and non-binary people regardless of experience or ability. Join us as we learn about and celebrate the footballers who fought to play the sport they loved and the strength of those still fighting against the setback the ban has caused today.

In partnership with the National Football Museum and designed by artist Lily Grant we will be launching a 'Protest Kit' showcasing some of the stories of these incredible defiant womxn who fought back in the face of a patriarchal and homophobic society. The Protest Kit will be available to order from 08 June – 100 days after the event. One lucky attendee will receive a free kit!

A panel discussion featuring special guests who continue to fight against the setbacks imposed by the ban will share their thoughts and experiences. 

Our panel includes:

Sammy Walker

She / her Sammy is a transgender footballer, who currently plays in the Women’s National League South, the third tier of English women’s football. Sammy is vocal in the media about the importance of trans inclusion in football and runs advice, training and guidance for football teams on how to provide a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ players.

Chloe Morgan

She /her  Chloe is a professional goalkeeper and GDFC football coach. Serves on the board of Women in Football and is Inclusion and Diversity office at GDFC. Chloe is passionate about, and actively addresses, the lack of diversity at high levels of football and lack of investment in the womxn’s game.

Belinda Scarlett

She /her Belinda is the curator of womxn’s football at the National Football Museum. Belinda has pledged to increase the representation of womxn’s football displayed at the Museum by 50% by 2022. They have been a key partner in helping to deliver this story through the ‘For the Love of the Game’ kit.

Lily Rose Grant

She /her

Lily is an established Artist based in North London & is a member of GDFC. Lily is the designer of ‘For the Love of the Game’ kit & merchandise and has worked tirelessly to tell this story through her work.

This event is part of Football v Homophobia Month of Action, generously being supported by Football vs Homophobia and FARE.

We hope you can join us and continue the fight.