The Rise of Women’s Football in York
These are exciting times in the world of women’s football. The buzz around the Women’s Euro 2022 tournament and the England national team is something that we have not experienced before properly on these shores and the signs are that this is just the start of things to come. Although there was excitement around the Olympic team back in 2012 it could be argued that football clubs in this country have still been a little bit slow in the uptake of the game in this country and at long last have started to realise that this game or ours does actually belong to everyone.
In York, we are fortunate that York City has a well-respected foundation and academy with state-of-the-art facilities and top-quality coaches to inspire the next generation which will provide excellent opportunities for a career in the highest levels of football throughout the world for many girls and women in the north of England.
One way that we play our part in supporting women’s football and help to spread the word is by sponsoring Alice Hughes, a strong and determined midfield player who was instrumental in helping York City Ladies win their division along with the North Riding Cup to earn a fabulous double winning season for 2021-22. Alice was rewarded for her efforts by being named the Managers Player of the Year which was very well deserved and we couldn’t have been prouder of her achievements.
The upcoming 2022-23 season brings with it prospects of further progress in all matter of ways, games against the likes of Leeds United and Newcastle United along with the opportunity to play in the new LNER Stadium herald a new era for women’s football in the city and a chance to prove that sport can be enjoyed by more than just boys and men. York City Knights Ladies already do a fantastic job of promoting these opportunities in rugby. It is hoped that the women’s football team can also follow suit and inspire today's children.
The women’s game offers a different take to the traditional football viewing experience, from the style of play, which is generally seen to be more technical and considered to the atmosphere in which it is played with the focus being more on a family-focused environment. The games are generally played on a Sunday afternoon, making it easier to plan a family outing to your local team.
Sadly there has been a stigma often attached to women’s football which is unjust and unfair but over time this will hopefully dissipate with education and entertaining matches. With the advancements in coaching and resources available to players these days the game has quickly transformed, but regardless, remember, women should also have that same opportunity to pull on their boots and go out there and enjoy the game and be passionate about it just as much as their male counterparts.
It's not long now until the start of the new season and we wish Alice, the team at York City Ladies and all the other girls and women’s teams across the city all the very best for the new season and we look forward to watching their progress along the way!
Updated: Congratulations Lionesses winning the Women’s 2022 European Championships! Being one of only 87,192 lucky people watching live at Wembley Stadium was a pleasure. The atmosphere was amazing and I can’t wait to see what happens next. This is not the end, we are only just getting started for women’s sports in England.
Photo Taken By: Ian Parker - Twitter @Ice_photography - Alice Hughes of York City Ladies Football Club holding Trophies with Simon Cartwright of Indigo Greens Estate Agents
Written by Simon
