There is real optimism in the game but while attitudes generally have changed dramatically not everyone is on the same page
Women’s football has come a very long way in a decade. Ten years ago there existed an indifference towards the few women who chose to persevere in what many viewed a novel and headstrong manner to play the men’s game – because, let’s face it, that is what “the people’s game” actually meant. Now, Chelsea’s Fran Kirby can post photos on social media of her dog sitting in front of a Bentley. It may be a loaned Bentley (the gap hasn’t closed that much) but the England forward does have numerous sponsorship deals, with Nike and Swarovski among others.
If the Noughties was the decade in which players such as Alex Scott edged from washing the shirts and shorts of the Arsenal men’s team towards the possibility of scraping a living from football, then this last decade has been the one that has provided respect and with it professionalism, sponsorship, support and the chance to make a modest living out of the game.
Written by Suzanne Wrack
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2020/jan/02/womens-football-decade-of-progress-2020 under the title “Women’s football has seen a decade of progress but there is much more to do | Suzanne Wrack”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.