Women's Football in Wales
Women have faced many obstacles in taking their place on the football pitch. Despite this, in the space of a century women have shown what it truly means to kick like a girl.
Women's Football Match Menai Bridge against Penrhos, Injury (1959-06-25) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
Difficult Beginnings
Women's football found its beginnings during the First World War. Whilst the men were called to fight in the field, the women remained at home, working in factories, mainly, but also supporting the war effort in other ways, including raising money through playing football.
Ladies' Football in Treharris, Handshake (1951-09-14) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
An Abrupt End
Despite the sport’s growing popularity, some even claiming it was beginning to surpass even men's football in the nation's affections, women’s football was banned by the FAW in 1922. As a result, women were absent from the pitch in Wales for over 50 years.
Women's Football Match Menai Bridge against Penrhos, Team Photo #2 (1959-06-25) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
The ban only applied to FA-affiliated pitches, tournaments, and teams. By all means, women’s football continued at amateur and local levels. Still, the FA’s decision reflected a broader, deeply frustrating attitude towards women, limiting their visibility and progress in the sport
Women's Football Match Menai Bridge against Penrhos, Team Photo (1959-06-25) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
The Return
By the 1970s, the FA’s ban on women’s football had been lifted, paving the way for a revival of the sport in Wales. This new chapter began in 1973, when Wales played its first international match against the Republic of Ireland.
Women's Football Match Menai Bridge against Penrhos, Tackle (1959-06-25) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
The Wales women's national team was officially established in 1993, playing its first friendly against Iceland. Shortly after, the team entered its first major competition, the 1995 UEFA Women’s EURO qualifiers in a game against Switzerland in Cwmbran.
Women's Football Match Menai Bridge against Penrhos, Injury #2 (1959-06-25) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
Today, the Wales women's national football team is making history -drawing record crowds, inspiring a new generation, and qualifying for their first major international tournament: UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland.
Ladies' Football in Treharris, Playing (1951-09-14) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
Looking back at the history of women’s football in Wales and its growing presence in popular culture today, one thing is undeniable: the demand for women's football is getting stronger.
Bangor City Women's Football Team (1972-05-01) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
For women's football to continue to prosper and grow, however, it relies on publicity, exposure, and funding equal to that of its male counterpart.
Ladies' Football Team in Treharris (1951-09-14) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
Support for women’s football is gaining fresh momentum, driven by the understanding that how women are treated on the pitch mirrors their treatment in society. In this light, coming together to celebrate the game has never been so important.
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