Editor Carolyn Kent – Women’s Football Hub
Introduction
In this inspiring episode of the Women’s Football Hub podcast, we sat down with Clare McEwen – freelance sports writer, health researcher at Oxford University, and author of She Can Kick It, a powerful history of women’s football. Clare’s personal love of the game, from being the only girl in the park to researching global football bans, brings a heartfelt and deeply informed perspective on the struggle and triumph of women in football.
From Playground to Pitch: Clare’s Football Journey
Clare’s story mirrors so many women in football. Growing up in 1980s Cornwall, she was obsessed with football but lacked the opportunities and visibility that today’s players enjoy. Called a “tomboy,” she wore it as a badge of honour, though now she reflects on how damaging gender stereotyping can be.
“I didn’t know any different. They called me a tomboy. I just loved football.”
The Ban That Silenced a Generation
Clare reveals the shocking truth behind the 1921 ban in England: women’s football was growing too popular during and after WWI, drawing massive crowds and raising money for charity. But when men returned from war, the FA banned women from playing on affiliated pitches. The British Medical Association supported the ban, claiming the sport was “unsuitable for the female body.”
“Women’s football didn’t die. It was killed.”
Scotland’s history? Even worse. It was the only UEFA country to vote against lifting the ban.
Role Models and Visibility: Why They Matter
Carolyn speaks candidly about growing up without any female footballing role models.
“If I’d known about Mia Hamm sooner, my bedroom wall would’ve looked very different.”
Clare’s book unearths heroes like Carol Thomas, England’s former captain who led the Lionesses to the 1984 Euros final and won the 1985 Mundialito.
“Girls didn’t play football? No, they just weren’t allowed to.”
A Global Game With Unequal Roots
Clare explores how football evolved differently across countries:
- 🇺🇸 USA embraced women’s soccer through Title IX legislation, fuelling investment and college pathways.
- 🇧🇷 Brazil banned women from all sport for decades – yet still produced the iconic Marta.
And while England only truly embraced women’s football post-Euros 2022, Clare notes the victory had global ripple effects.
“That win at Wembley changed the game. Not just here. Everywhere.”
Challenges, Misconceptions & The Road Ahead
Clare and Carolyn discuss:
- 🤦♀️ The myth that women’s football isn’t profitable
- 👀 Why sexist online commentary remains a problem
- ⚽ How playground culture still sidelines girls
Clare’s response? Keep playing. Don’t take no for an answer.
Why This History Matters Now
She Can Kick It isn’t just a history lesson – it’s a reminder that every girl who kicks a ball today stands on the shoulders of those who came before. Clare hopes the book shows readers that they are part of the story, not just watching from the sidelines.
“Football didn’t just happen. Women built it. Brick by brick.”
📖 Buy the book: Available now on Amazon – just search “She Can Kick It” 📢 Follow Clare on X/Twitter or LinkedIn to stay up to date with her work 🎧 Listen to the full episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.
This blog post was created with assistance from OpenAI’s ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025).
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