Football and War: Women in Football

Join our panel of experts as they discuss the historic relationship between women’s football and the British Army.

Football has been a feature of Army life since the mid-19th century. From kickabouts in military bases around the world to helping establish the professional game we know today, the Army and its soldiers have long been passionate about the sport.

The ban on women’s football during much of the 20th century has eclipsed its important role on the home front during the First World War. In this special evening event, leading experts will examine the teams that delighted fans and raised money for war charities.

The panel will also look at the lifting of the ban in 1971 and the subsequent role of women’s football in the modern British Army.

This event is part of our Football and War series, presented in partnership with the Army Football Association, the Western Front Association and the Football and War Network.

Schedule

5.30pm – Doors open
6.30pm – Event begins with a screening of the short film ‘Granny’
8.00pm – Event ends

About the panel

Amanda Whittington

Amanda Whittington is one of the most widely produced playwrights in the UK. Her 40+ plays for stage and radio include ‘The Invincibles’, which sets the story of England’s progress in the 2023 Women’s World Cup against the rise and fall of First World War football giants, Sterling Ladies.

Steve Bolton

Steve Bolton is a leading women's football historian. His work features in a number of books, documentaries and plays, including ‘The Invincibles’ by Amanda Whittington. He is credited as a producer for the short film 'Granny', which is about his international footballing grandmother, Lizzy Ashcroft.

Kristina Wright

Captain Kristina Wright of the Adjutant General's Corps (AGC) has been involved in Army Football at all levels for over 25 years. She made her first appearance for the Army Representative Women's team in 1999 and is currently player manager of the AGC team.

Daniel Cowling

Daniel Cowling is a Historian at the National Army Museum with a particular interest in modern British and European history. He completed his PhD at the University of Cambridge, where he wrote a thesis on the British occupation of Germany. His first book, ‘Don’t Let’s Be Beastly to the Germans’, was published by Head of Zeus in 2023.

About our event partners

Army Football Association

Established in 1888, the Army FA is a county football association with responsibility for clubs, players and referees in the British Army.

Western Front Association

The Western Front Association was formed with the purpose of furthering interest in the First World War of 1914-18. It aims to perpetuate the memory, courage and comradeship of all those who served their countries on all sides.

Football and War Network

The Football and War Network is made up of historians of war with an interest in football, as well as football club historians.