Trailblazer - the most incredible women's football story you never knew

This women's football story includes the terrible treatment of a group of women in the 70s who were punished for taking part in an absolutely huge (unofficial) Women's World Cup. The tournament still holds the record for the biggest attended women's football match EVER and is part of our sporting history, despite it being kept hidden for years. This documentary follows Louise's story - she was one of the team and is an inspiration.
This short documentary was my final project to complete my Masters in Sports Broadcast Journalism. It is very much a student film, but I am so proud of the work I put into it and am honoured that I was able to tell this incredible story - possibly the most important story in the history of women's football.
Made during the 2020 lockdown and screened (privately) in 2022. I have never released this for public viewing before but International Women's Day 2024 feels like the right time to share it.
If you want to see more, I encourage you to go and see the film Copa71 which released in cinemas this week. It tells the story of the whole tournament, with women from around the world ❤️
#iwd2024 #womensfootball #womeninsport #sportinghistory #womenshistory

[@MotorhomeMums]

Heartwarming. Thanks for sharing.

[@merseydave1]

What an Absolute Brilliant Documentary ... as I studied the hidden history of Female Football in the mid 1990s, as I have followed Female Football from the mid 1980s. What I like about this documentary is the focus one one player Louise and her experiences before and after Copa 71.
Some points I would like to press
The (Male) Football Association banned Female Football from December 1921 to December 1971 50 Years of Overt Sexism
The Women's Football Association (who Harry Batt was a member of) did not want to send an Official England Female Team as they did not have one, although they could have arraigned one!
Harry Batt recognized the potential and progressiveness of this opportunity, so he set up an Unofficial England representative team, thus moving forward English Female Football into the International context.
Sadly it was the Women's Football Association (1969 to 1993) who Banned Harry Batt (a Great Female Football visionary) for Life and the girls for shorter periods.
Not many people knew of the previous completion in 1970, before Copa 71.
The Female Southampton team was one of the Top Teams from the 70s into the 80s.
From the first world War, Females have played Football yet from 1921 they struggled very badly.
So there are many Female Pioneers especially from 1921, and Louse is One of Them Xxx.

[@leannegoodall]

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a kind comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the film.