Breaking the Grass Ceiling : The History of the Women's Football Association

Patricia Gregory's "Breaking the Grass Ceiling" arrives at a pivotal moment in women's football history, offering an exhaustively researched account of the Women's Football Association from 1967 to 1993. This meticulously documented narrative fills a crucial gap in sports literature, revealing the untold story of how a determined group of individuals fought to resurrect women's football in England after decades of institutional opposition.
The book's greatest strength lies in its comprehensive approach to storytelling. Gregory weaves together archival research with firsthand accounts from 96 former England players, creating a tapestry that captures both the institutional challenges and personal triumphs of the era. The narrative begins with the Deal Women's Football tournament in 1967, a seemingly modest event that would spark a revolution in women's sports.
Particularly compelling is the book's examination of the infamous 1921 FA ban, which effectively prevented women from playing on any FA-affiliated grounds for nearly 50 years. Gregory's research reveals how this ban was often misinterpreted as a complete prohibition on women's football, demonstrating how institutional power can shape social norms far beyond its official reach.
The author excels at highlighting the grassroots nature of the women's game's revival. The account of the Women's FA's inaugural meeting in 1969, attended by 44 clubs and 7 leagues, reads like a resistance movement's origin story. These pioneers operated with minimal resources but maximum determination, laying the groundwork for today's professional women's football landscape.
One of the book's most valuable contributions is its detailed examination of the period following the ban's lifting in 1970. Recent research has shown this era wasn't glamorous but was perhaps the most remarkable in women's football history, as volunteers worked tirelessly to build a national cup competition and establish an official England team from scratch.
Gregory's work gains additional relevance in light of new research from Bournemouth University about the complex legacy of the FA's 1993 takeover of women's football. This context makes the book's detailed account of the Women's FA's independent years even more valuable for understanding the sport's evolution.
The author's decision to focus on the administrative and organisational aspects of women's football might seem dry on paper, but she brings these struggles to life through personal stories and previously unpublished details. The result is a compelling narrative about persistence in the face of institutional opposition, making this book relevant not just to sports historians but to anyone interested in social change and gender equality.
"Breaking the Grass Ceiling" serves as both a historical document and a reminder that the current success of women's football didn't happen by accident. It was built on the shoulders of countless volunteers, players, and administrators who refused to accept that football wasn't for women. In an era where women's football is finally getting the recognition it deserves, this book provides crucial context for understanding how far the sport has come and the debt owed to its early pioneers.
This thoroughly researched work stands as an essential addition to sports history literature, documenting a critical period that shaped not just women's football, but women's sports as a whole. It's a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of preserving the stories of those who fought for change, even when victory seemed impossible.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Published: May 15, 2025
Publisher: Visit The History Press
Price: £16.99
Paperback: 256 pages