{"id":3941,"date":"2019-09-02T09:55:28","date_gmt":"2019-09-02T08:55:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/teamkinetic.co.uk\/blog\/?p=3941"},"modified":"2022-06-13T09:51:50","modified_gmt":"2022-06-13T08:51:50","slug":"creating-a-legacy-post-world-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teamkinetic.co.uk\/blog\/2019\/09\/creating-a-legacy-post-world-cup\/","title":{"rendered":"Creating a Legacy Post-Women’s World Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"FIFA<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It’s been over two months since the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 captured the nation’s attention with some thrilling games; the tournament didn’t fall short of goals with 146 in total<\/a>, and England’s semi-final v USA had us on the edge of our seats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Viewership for that game was at a record of 11.7 million, making it the UK’s most-watched women’s football game of all time<\/a>, and the most-watched programme of 2019 so far. So how do we create a legacy post-World Cup?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

History <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the early 20th century, women’s football was very popular and grew in popularity as men went to war. The famous Dick Kerr Ladies played St Helen’s Ladies on Boxing Day in 1920, attracting over 53,000 spectators to Everton’s Goodison Park with thousands of fans watching from outside. Higher attendance figures than most football clubs today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Dick<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

However, in 1921 the FA decided it would implement a ban on female participation in the sport. Football was considered to be unsuitable for women and they believed it should not be encouraged. Luckily, views began to change in the 1960s, with the Women\u2019s Football Association (WFA) being formed in 1969. The ban on women’s football was officially rescinded in 1971 by the FA after persuasion from the WFA. We have to wonder what would have happened if women’s football was never banned… Would it be more popular than the men’s game today? Would we see more equality – or even total equality – in the sport?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

England wasn’t the only country to ban the sport either, with bans in Norway (1931), France (1932), Brazil (1941), and West Germany (1955). In contrast, in 1972 the USA added legislation (named Title IX) that prohibited discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that received federal funding. In other words, when it came to football (or soccer) in school, men and women were awarded equal rights. This is probably why the USA are such powerhouses of women’s football today! However, they still can’t get equal pay from the US Soccer Federation.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the rise again…<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"England<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Since the first FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991, football has seen steady growth amongst women across the world. With an average of 150,000 female players competing in the affiliated league and cup competitions in England alone. Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement and growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Referee Stephanie Frappart also took charge of the 2019 UEFA Super Cup, making her the first woman to take charge of a major men’s UEFA cup final. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The game has come on a long way in many ways, in terms of the Womens’ World Cup which we all watched this summer and showed how much respect the women’s game is getting. We’re trying to make strides and there’s a long way to go but [the cup final] will be a huge moment because it’s one more step in the right direction.<\/p>Stephanie Frappart<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, the FA Women’s Championship started last weekend and the FA WSL returns this weekend with a massive game<\/a>. Manchester City and newly-promoted Manchester United will battle it out for their first three points of the season at the Etihad Stadium. Tickets for all WSL and Championship games can be found here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So how do we get more young females involved in football? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Maybe we should start by giving them the opportunity that was once taken away from them? Or maybe we could just make all women’s football more accessible to watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, The FA may have done just that! They recently announced<\/a> that all 132 WSL games and select Championship games would be streamed live via their app. This is a massive step which will hopefully increase the viewership of women’s football. However, some don’t agree with the move, stating that it will lower stadium attendances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Female involvement doesn’t have to stop at the participation level. Roles in football go beyond playing; coaches, referees, administrators, pundits, volunteers all contribute to the success of the sport too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and girls from some ethnic communities are unaware of the opportunities which exist and there are cultural, religious and social norms to overcome. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Organisations we work with that are making a difference:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We work with a number of organisations that sit at the forefront of football and are making a real impact when it comes to female participation. Some of these organisations include the Liverpool FC Foundation and the Manchester Football Association. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Liverpool<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

You can read our blogs about the LFC Foundation below:
– Why Liverpool FC Foundation are using TeamKinetic volunteer software.<\/a>
– A day volunteering at Liverpool FC Foundation.<\/a>
– The Liverpool FC Foundation\u2019s impact on volunteers with a disability. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Manchester<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

TeamKinetic caught up with Katherine Jones from the Manchester FA to talk about some of the work they do around the city to impact women’s football. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is what she had to say…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is being done at your organisation to ensure women’s football continues to grow, and what things could be done to improve this?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Katherine gave me a long list of great things the Manchester FA is doing to ensure the growth of the women’s game! The full list is as follows: <\/p>\n\n\n\n