A Long Road to Glory: The Lionesses Origin Story | Part Two

A Long Road to Glory: The Lionesses Origin Story | Part Two

52:08 Sep 5, 2025
About this episode
Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast hosted by Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper. In this second episode of a two-part special, we delve into the pivotal moments that lifted the 50-year ban on women's football in England. From the formation of the Women’s Football Association, to looking at the birth of the Lionesses and their first official international match. This episode looks at the pioneering women and their allies who revived the game in the 1960s, building grassroots clubs, fighting for recognition to pave the way for women’s football today. Tune in to hear all about the history of the women’s game.00:00 The End of the Ban00:28 Picking Up the Pieces: Women’s Football After the Ban00:53 The 1960s Revival: Grassroots and New Teams03:10 The Impact of England’s 1966 World Cup Win07:54 Building a Movement: Key Figures and Early Clubs10:56 Struggles for Facilities and Recognition12:50 International Influence21:22 The Formation of the Women’s Football Association24:32 The FA’s Changing Attitude and Official Recognition27:20 The First Women’s FA Cup and International Competitions29:40 Tensions: Unofficial vs. Official Tournaments36:52 The Lost Lionesses: Mexico 1971 and Unrecognised Pioneers40:26 The First Official Lionesses Game: Scotland vs. England, 197245:44 Media Coverage and Social Attitudes47:44 Timeline: From the First Match to Modern Success50:08 Reflections: The Legacy of the Pioneers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Select an episode
0:00 0:00