Women's Football in Wales
Women have faced many obstacles in taking their place on the football field. 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 striking popularity of the sport, some having suggested that it had began to surpass even men's football in the nation's affections, women's football was banned by the FAW in 1922, and so women were not seen on the pitch for more than 50 years thereafter.
Women's Football Match Menai Bridge against Penrhos, Team Photo #2 (1959-06-25) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
Of course, the ban only applied to FA associated pitches, tournaments, and teams. By all means, women's football continued on amateur and local levels. However this frustrating decision, on behalf of the FA, reflected an even more frustrating attitude towards women generally.
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 ban on women's football had been lifted, and Wales began to see a revival of the sport. International games were kicked off by a match between Wales and the Republic of Ireland in 1973.
Women's Football Match Menai Bridge against Penrhos, Tackle (1959-06-25) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
The national team was established in 1993, and the first official friendly fixture took place against Iceland. Not long after, the Welsh women's team entered into the 1995 UEFA Women's EURO Qualifier 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 women's national football team for Wales has attracted record crowds, established household names, and appealed to a new generation of girls and young women. Though just missing out on the 2023 World Cup, the team continues to reach new heights.
Ladies' Football in Treharris, Playing (1951-09-14) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
When looking back at the history of women's football in Wales, as well as considering the place it holds in popular culture today, one thing is perfectly clear: there is a demand for women's football.
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
Popular support for women's football is given new vitality by the reality that attitudes towards women on the football pitch reflect the treatment of women in society more generally. In this sense, communal celebration of a game has never been so important.
