A Lost Generation Finds Its Football Home

The roar of the crowd at Wembley Stadium on July 31, 2022, wasn’t just a celebration of England’s first major women’s football title; it was a beacon for a generation of women who grew up with limited opportunities to play the sport they loved. The subsequent victory at Euro 2025, secured by Chloe Kelly’s penalty, further cemented a shift in the landscape of women’s football, offering a pathway for those who once felt excluded.

The Growing Numbers

According to FIFA’s 2023 Member Association survey report, the number of women and girls playing organized football has grown by 24% since 2019, reaching over 16.6 million, with 3.9 million registered female players. This surge in participation mirrors the Lionesses’ success on the international stage, inspiring a new generation of players.

FIFA’s Women’s Football Strategy 2024-27 aims to achieve 60 million registered players by next year, a goal that would have been unimaginable just decades ago.

A History of Exclusion

However, the current momentum represents a correction for a historical injustice. While the Football Association banned women from playing on affiliated pitches for 50 years (1921-1971), the repercussions extended far beyond that period. Many women who grew up in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s found themselves with few, if any, opportunities to participate in the sport.

Finding a Football Home Later in Life

This lost generation is now actively reclaiming their connection to the game. Clubs like Crawley Vintage Girls, founded in 2015 by Carol Bates, and Canterbury Old Bags, established by Jo Treharne, provide spaces for women aged 25 to 80 and beyond to experience the joy of football. These initiatives cater to women “who have come to play the beautiful game a little later in life.”

The experience of playing with limited resources during childhood is a common thread. Many recall informal games played on makeshift pitches, battling for recognition and acceptance in a male-dominated environment. The struggle to find organized teams and prove their worth was a defining characteristic of their early football experiences.

A Global Phenomenon

The growth isn’t limited to England. In Victoria, Australia, grassroots participation among women and girls increased by 14% in 2024-25, reaching 30,928 players in outdoor, five-a-side, and social games. This global resurgence is fueled by the success of national teams like the Lionesses and the Matildas, inspiring women to pick up a ball and join the community.

Empowerment and Joy

For many, returning to football later in life is a deeply empowering experience. Stories abound of women who rediscover a passion they thought lost, finding camaraderie and joy in a supportive environment. One woman, who hadn’t played for 35 years, described crying when she first position on her kit at age 46, feeling a profound sense of empowerment. Coaches, often from similar backgrounds, are creating tailored environments where women can thrive.

Bringing Football Home

As these women share their stories, the lyrics of the Three Lions anthem – “thirty years of hurt” – take on a new meaning. It’s a testament to the resilience of a generation who refused to give up on the game they loved, and a celebration of the fact that, finally, football is coming home – for everyone, everywhere.