When looking at the growth and importance of soccer, one must not confine their studies simply to men’s soccer or soccer in general. It is important to look at women’s soccer and the journey it has taken as it is much different to what many know of soccer. Specifically, women’s soccer has a much more unique origin in regards to how it first started to be played and how it was viewed. Even in this regard however, it differs from its start in England to its start in the United States, with it taking different roles in each.
In England, women’s soccer really started to gain traction during WW1. At this time, many teams were comprised of workers and the teams were often groupings of coworkers from the same company/job. During the war men were called away to fight, so women began to fill in the workspace. Eventually they began to play games just as the men had previously. These teams often represented the companies they were comprised of or were sponsored by them. However there was intense pushback to the point that women were banned from using official pitches for their matches. However, play continued often in support of charities.
In the United States, women’s soccer had a much different start. Rather than being centered around actual games and competition, even if for charity, women’s soccer was seen more as a safe and healthy form of exercise, especially when compared to American football. It became deeply ingrained within the school system with teams being formed tied to the schools. However, these teams did not play in leagues and there was almost no continuity to the games played.
Overall, there were many differences between the two women’s soccer landscapes. However, there were some similarities as well. There was great pushback on both sides by fans and the men’s soccer organizations. Players were ridiculed and matches were forced to stop at times. Ultimately both sides persevered and serve as the foundations for what we know as women’s soccer today.
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