The women's game has roots well over 100 years ago. It became massive in WWI, when factory teams, often munitions teams formed and played before massive crowds. d*ck Kerr, Ladies from Preston were the stars and they drew a crowd of over 53 000 to Goodison Park. There is a brilliant memorial to them at Deepdale.The comparison to the men's game is unnecessary in my view. Why do they want to piggy back onto the mens history. Its a complete separate sporting event with very little history. Formed in 1969 probably off the back of the mens 66 win and disbanded in 1993 until the FA too control from the WFA. So to end 56 years of "hurt" is nonsense.
Congratulations though an incredible achievement for there sport. Which has progressed leaps and bounds in the last 15 years. Excellent finish for the 1st. in front of 87 thousand.
There were teams on Teesside and north east and Ayresome cup finals drawing five figure crowds.
Then, a couple of years after WWI, with men back from the war the old school, upper class amateurs of the FA committees banned the women from use of any FA affiliated pitches or facilities. Women's football was effectively outlawed for 50 years. It is astonishing to think that it was not until 1971 that women and girls were officially welcomed back into the fold. The progress since has been rapid. In recent years the formation of the WSL has accelerated this incredibly.
You look at things like the fact the women play their games on terrestrial channels. This has meant that these women stars are household names amongst the school kid generation. Kids know all the players. Just hear them cheer everytime Jill Scott (From the north east's name is mentioned). 17 million watched the cup final. All the money in the world that SKY might throw at them could not bring that kind of exposure to a growing sport. Nothing like it.
It is an exciting time isn't it. Girls and boys all round the country are going to fall in love with football as a result of the Lionesses. We need to welcome them with open arms.