The Rise and Legacy of Women's Football: An Untold Story

🌟Women's football has a long, but often hidden, history that predates the National Women's Football League.

👩‍⚖️The media coverage of women's football in the past focused on appearance and femininity, rather than their skills and athleticism.

💪Women's football leagues, including the NWFL, have faced challenges in terms of finances, recognition, and support.

📰The history of women's football is often erased, making it important to preserve and share the stories of pioneering women athletes.

🌍Despite progress, there is still work to be done to ensure gender equality and better opportunities for women in football.

How did the National Women's Football League come into existence?

—The NWFL was founded by owners and capitalists who saw the potential for profit in women's football. It began as a gimmick but eventually grew into a competitive league.

How were women's football players portrayed in the media?

—The media coverage of women's football focused on appearance, femininity, and playing up aspects like weight and attractiveness, rather than highlighting their skills and athleticism.

What were some challenges faced by women's football leagues?

—Women's football leagues, including the NWFL, faced challenges in terms of finances, recognition, lack of media coverage, and limited support from society. They often operated on shoestring budgets and relied on fundraisers.

Why is it important to preserve the history of women's football?

—The history of women's football is often overlooked or erased. By preserving and sharing the stories of pioneering women athletes, we can celebrate their achievements and inspire future generations.

What is the current state of women's football?

—While progress has been made, there is still work to be done to ensure gender equality and better opportunities for women in football. Women's football leagues continue to face challenges, but there is hope for a more inclusive future.

00:00During this episode, the authors of 'Hail Mary: The Rise and Fall of the National Women's Football League', Brittany de la Creta and Lindsey Darvin, discuss the untold story of women's football and the challenges faced by women in the sport.

03:38The origins of women's football date back to the late 1800s, with women participating in exhibition games and organizing their own teams.

08:40Women's football initially started as a gimmick and spectacle, with owners and promoters recognizing the potential for profit.

12:17The early owners focused on the novelty and appearance of women playing football, often exploiting their physical attributes for media coverage.

17:26Women's football faced financial challenges, lack of recognition, and limited media coverage, which hindered its growth and development.

21:15The history of women's football is often erased and overlooked, making it important to preserve and share the stories of pioneering women athletes.

26:40While there has been progress, women's football still reflects the challenges and struggles of the past, and efforts are needed to ensure gender equality and better opportunities for women in the sport.