Women’s football has seen a decade of progress but there is much more to do | Suzanne Wrack

Jan 02, 2020

There is a real optimism in women’s football but while attitudes generally have changed dramatically not everyone is on the same page

Women’s football has come a very long way in a decade. Ten years ago there existed an indifference towards the few women who chose to persevere in what many viewed a novel and headstrong manner to play the men’s game – because, let’s face it, that is what “the people’s game” actually meant. Now, Chelsea’s Fran Kirby can post photos on social media of her dog sitting in front of a Bentley. It may be a loaned Bentley (the gap hasn’t closed that much) but the England forward does have numerous sponsorship deals, with Nike and Swarovski among others.

If the Noughties was the decade in which players such as Alex Scott edged from washing the shirts and shorts of the Arsenal men’s team towards the possibility of scraping a living from football, then this has been the decade that has provided, most importantly, respect and with it professionalism, sponsorship, support and the chance to make a modest living out of the game.

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Tags: Football Sport Women's football Women's Super League