'Breaking the Grass Ceiling' tells the inside story of the Women’s FA, tracing its creation and organisation from inception, out of the Deal Women’s Football tournament in 1967, until it was formally handed over to The FA in 1993.
The inaugural meeting of the Women’s FA was on 1 November 1969. Present were 44 clubs and 7 leagues, forming the nucleus of the nascent association. The FA had banned women from playing on grounds under its control in 1921 (reaffirmed in 1962) but organisations, including local councils, interpreted this as a ban on women playing football. In reality the effect was exactly that, to prevent women from playing the sport. Through the steadfast efforts of many men and women the ban was finally lifted on 19 January 1970.
Featuring original research, behind-the-scenes detail and personal perspectives from many of the 96 players to wear the England shirt during that period, the full picture is revealed for the first time. From the early days, as a voluntary workforce fought to establish a brand new sport; through the development phase as a national cup competition and official national team were founded; and on to the later years which saw a continuous battle to gain and maintain recognition. This is a book about the unsung heroes of the past who worked tirelessly for the right of girls and women to play the game they loved, and in doing so laid the foundations for the teams of the future.
About the author
Patricia Gregory was a founder member of the Women’s FA in 1967, serving as an officer for over 20 years, and was a member of the UEFA Women’s Football Committee 1980-94. She was on the frontline of women’s football at a time of tremendous change and remains a passionate and well-connected advocate for the women’s game.
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