"Before Mary Earps, Jess Fishlock and Lucy Bronze, a generation of trailblazing women’s footballers defied the odds.
In 1921, the FA banned women from playing football in England, but these rebels refused to quit the game they loved. Leaving behind jobs, families and their homeland, they travelled across Europe in search of professional opportunities in women’s football – to countries like Italy and the Netherlands – where they could finally fulfil their footballing potential.
This groundbreaking book uncovers the untold stories of the pioneering women who paved the way for today’s Lionesses and global women’s football stars. The original Lioness who started a new life in the Netherlands as a teenager; the first woman of colour to play for England; the girl who turned down the chance of international recognition to play in Italy – through their reflections, we follow their extraordinary journeys, the evolution of women’s football in England and abroad, and the dreams they still hold for the future of the women’s game.
Perfect for readers of women’s sport writing, football history and fans of the Lionesses, this is essential reading for anyone who cares about the true story of women’s football.
“One of the most talented and considered minds working in women's football today” THE ATHLETIC
“The perfect person to guide us through the constantly changing landscape of women's football” KELLY CATES
“One of the most prolific writers about women's football in the UK” EVENING STANDARD
“Carrie writes the stories we're convinced would otherwise be lost forever... a MUST READ! Be prepared to feel aggrieved and inspired in equal measure” The Offside Rule podcast
“A vital and beautifully told piece of football history... essential reading for anyone who cares about the true story of women's football” Anita Asante, former England international and football pundit
Carrie Dunn is a writer and broadcaster specialising in women’s football. She is the author of 'Flying the Flag', 'Woman Up' and 'Unsuitable for Females', and has covered England at major tournaments since 2005."
"With the triumph of England’s Lionesses at Euro 2022, the women’s game has been in the spotlight like never before, enjoying unprecedented media attention. But this is the result of decades of struggle to get women’s football – banned by the English FA for fifty years – on a more equal footing to its male counterpart. And while the current professional players are starting to reap the rewards of their success on the pitch, their personal journeys have often involved fighting against the odds, and they are still at a disadvantage in many areas, including access to medical treatment, playing facilities and salaries.
So that a new generation of girls getting involved in football all over the world don't face the same obstacles as their predecessors, football journalist Carrie Dunn shines a light on the evolution of women’s football and the gender gaps that still persist – on issues such as injuries, sportswear, period taboos and diversity. Packed with practical advice and first-hand accounts from leading female players, Woman Up is an inspirational, informative and entertaining account of women’s football’s painful past and its exciting future."
"'At what feels like a pivotal moment, Carrie’s forensic research and depth of knowledge make her the perfect person to guide us through the constantly changing landscape of women’s football' - Kelly Cates, TV presenter
England's Lionesses are on the front and back pages; their stars feature on prime-time television; they are named in the national honours lists for their contribution to their sport and to society. The names of Lucy Bronze, Steph Houghton and Ellen White are emblazoned across the backs of children’s replica jerseys. These women are top athletes – and top celebrities. But in 1921, the Football Association introduced a ban on women’s football, pronouncing the sport 'quite unsuitable for females'.
That ban would last for half a century - but despite official prohibition the women’s game went underground. From the Dick, Kerr Ladies touring the world to the Lost Lionesses who played at the unsanctioned Women's World Cup in Mexico in 1971, generations of women defied the restrictions and laid the foundations for today's Lionesses - so much so that in 2018 England's Women’s Super League became the first fully professional league in Europe...when just a few decades previously women were forbidden to play the sport in England at all.
This book tells the story of women’s football in England since its 19th-century inception through pen portraits of its trailblazers. The game might have once been banned because of its popularity – find out about the subversive women who kept organising their teams and matches despite the prohibition, who broke barriers and set records – the legends of the game who built the foundations of the stage upon which today’s stars flourish."
Join our community for the latest bookish news, reading recommendations, exclusive opening extracts, author events and competitions. It\'s all free. And enter a monthly draw to win a £50 Gift Card. See past winners here
