#038 The History of Women's Football with Clare McEwen

Show Notes – Women’s Football Hub Podcast

Episode: The History & Future of Women’s Football with Clare McEwen

🎙️ Host: Carolyn Kent 🎙️ Guest: Clare McEwen – Freelance Sports Writer, Author of She Can Kick It, and Health Researcher at Oxford University

Episode Overview

In this episode, Carolyn Kent welcomes Clare McEwen, author of She Can Kick It, a book that delves into the rich and often overlooked history of women's football. Clare shares her own journey as a football-loving girl growing up in Cornwall, explores key moments in the women's game, and discusses how history continues to shape the sport today.

📖 From bans and discrimination to the rise of the Lionesses, this conversation uncovers how far the game has come and where it’s headed next.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ How gender stereotyping shaped the history of women’s football ✅ The ban on women’s football and how it affected generations of players ✅ The role of the medical profession in restricting women’s participation in sport ✅ The impact of Title IX in the U.S. and how it helped grow women’s soccer ✅ How the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup changed the game forever ✅ Why the 2022 Euros was a game-changer for women’s football ✅ The future of investment in the women’s game and its business potential

Key Takeaways

⚽ Women’s football was deliberately held back for decades, yet still thrived despite restrictions. ⚽ Visibility matters – Young girls need role models to inspire them in sport. ⚽ Investment drives success – Without proper funding, the women’s game cannot grow. ⚽ The fight for equality isn’t over – Cultural and systemic barriers still impact the sport today.

Resources & Mentions

📚 Clare’s Book: She Can Kick It – Available on Amazon 📖 More on Women’s Football History: Learn about Carol Thomas, Mia Hamm, and the 1999ers 📲 Follow Clare McEwen for updates on her latest projects

Follow & Connect

📌 Follow Women’s Football Hub Podcast for more expert discussions on the women’s game. 📌 Tag a football fan who needs to hear this!

🎧 Listen now – Available on all major podcast platforms!

#WomensFootballHub #WomenInSport #FootballHistory #SheCanKickIt #Lionesses #EqualGame #FootballForAll #Hergametoo