Triumph over adversity
Learn about women's football; a game which bloomed, was then banned and is now flourishing across the country
Pioneering women's football
Scots have been at the forefront of the development of women’s football since the earliest days, taking part in the first recorded women’s match in 1881 against England. Lily St Clare, pictured, scored the first goal of the game - which Scotland won 3-0.
Mary Roche, oil on canvasThe Scottish Football Museum
Later, the English and Scottish Football Associations actually banned women’s football at affiliated grounds in the 1920s. The women played on at other parks and stadia. Mary Roche was part of the Rutherglen Ladies team who defeated the famous Dick Kerr’s Ladies in 1924.
Unfortunately, this was a time of discrimination, which has since been challenged and reversed.
Women’s Scottish Cup trophy, 1971The Scottish Football Museum
Lifting the trophy
As well as making waves on the park, Scottish women also established competitions. The original Women’s Scottish Cup, which is owned and managed by Scottish Women’s Football, was first held in 1971.
First official women's international match programme, 1972The Scottish Football Museum
An international bow
As well as playing in the first recorded women's match, Scotland featured in the first official women’s international in Britain, again playing against England. It was played at Ravenscraig Stadium in Greenock and the English side won 3-2.
Mitre Cup Final match programme, 1973The Scottish Football Museum
English invitations
Scottish women put in dominant displays in the Mitre Challenge Trophy, the first incarceration of the English Women’s FA Cup. Stewarton Thistle and Westhorn United reached the first three finals which were all won by Southampton.
Scotland v Austria pennant, 2002The Scottish Football Museum
World Cup dreams
At the turn of the 21st century, Scotland were fighting to qualify for the Women’s World Cup, beating Austria 5-0 in West Lothian. All-time top-scorer Julie Fleeting scored a hattrick in win, but it wasn’t enough to qualify.
2012 Olympic Games Match BallThe Scottish Football Museum
Olympic games
Hampden has hosted significant women’s games and in 2012, held four group games and a quarter final as part of the London Olympics. This match ball was signed by the French side who were knocked out in the semi-finals by Japan.
Scotland v Spain, UEFA Women's Championship play off programme 1998The Scottish Football Museum
Pain in Spain
In 1998, Scotland came close to qualifying for the UEFA Women’s Championship, taking on Spain in a play-off tie. The first leg was played at Forthbank Stadium in Stirling and ended 3-0 to the Spanish. The Scots lost the away tie 4-1 and were out of the running.
Scotland v Spain, UEFA Women's Euros 2017 plaqueThe Scottish Football Museum
A EURO debut
Scotland faced the Spaniards again after qualifying for the women's EUROs in Holland in 2017. The Scots won the final group game with Caroline Weir’s strike making the difference. Unfortunately they narrowly missed out on the quarter finals on goal difference.
Scotland v England, 2019 FIFA Women's World CupThe Scottish Football Museum
On the world's stage
In 2019 Scotland made their debut at the Women’s World Cup and faced tough opposition in a group featuring England, Japan and Argentina. The Scots came away with two defeats and one draw after Argentina levelled with them in the 94th minute of their final game.
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