10 August 2023 , 20:44
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England's ladies are being spurred on by a team of soccer suffragettes who defied a ban on women’s football to play a secret World Cup 52 years ago.
The 14 Lost Lionesses ignored FA rules, set in 1921, barring ladies from playing the game to jet to Mexico for the contest. The squad, some as young as 13, were greeted as heroines at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium.
But on their return their exploits were brushed under the carpet and their manager Harry Batt was banned from football for life. A year later the FA gave the green light to women’s matches. Finally the 70s trailblazers have had their antics recognised after being awarded Sophie Hird-designed caps designed and balls at a ceremony at the National Football Museum in Manchester.
Backed by fans and the Football Supporters’ Association, designer Sophie Hird created the bespoke headgear from recycled shirts inspired by generations of Lionesses. Chris Lockwood, 67, who was just 15 when she played as a forward in Mexico, said: "It was extremely emotional just seeing us all together again.
The 1971 team back together again (Will Douglas)"What was strange was none of use had told our story even to our loved ones. It was brushed under the carpet at the time and it has remained under the radar. I guess we almost felt as though we had done something wrong even though we hadn’t. All we’d done was play a game that we loved.
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"It seems inconceivable now that officials could stop children from playing sport. In fact they now try and encourage everyone to do it to keep them fit and out of trouble. When I used to play football with the boys I never had a problem. They accepted me. I was frequently picked as captain.
"But the authorities - most of whom probably did not know how to kick a ball - decided women should not be allowed to play. It’s sad that that decision robbed so many of a game they would have loved. Some people were sacked from their jobs to play. Others refused to take part because they feared a backlash.
England (in all white) play Mexico (El Heraldo De Mexico)"It’s heartbreaking that Harry, who was a real visionary, isn’t around today to see his dream of a strong women’s game realised.’’ Her former teammate Gill Sayell (corr), 66, who was just 14 and 4ft 10in tall when she played as a winger in the ‘71 squad before becoming a founder member of Arsenal’s women’s team, said: "It would be amazing if the Lionesses can win.
"It would obviously be wonderful for them and the whole country. But part of me would smile that it has taken a women’s team - with all the obstacles we have had to face, all the suppression and attempts to keep us down - to bring the World Cup back to England. I suspect there are still some at football’s top level who look down on the women’s team. It would off the scale if the Lionesses can have the last laugh.’’