Flying the Flag: 'Among Britain's top writers on women's football.' Evening Standard

In a moment when women's football commands unprecedented attention, Carrie Dunn's "Flying the Flag" arrives as both a celebration and a revelation. A respected sports writer and academic with a PhD in sports sociology, Dunn has crafted a compelling narrative that unearths the forgotten heroines who shaped women's football in Britain.
The book's central focus is the aftermath of the Football Association's 1921 ban on women's football. Rather than accepting defeat when the FA declared the sport "quite unsuitable for females," an extraordinary cohort of women made the radical choice to pursue their passion abroad. These pioneers left behind everything familiar—careers, families, and homeland—to keep their football dreams alive.
What sets this work apart is Dunn's masterful ability to weave personal narratives with historical context. Through meticulous research and preserved correspondence, she resurrects the voices of women who refused to let their stories fade into obscurity. These are not merely accounts of athletic aspirations; they are chronicles of defiance against a society determined to limit their opportunities.
The timing of this book feels particularly poignant. As today's stars like Mary Earps and Lucy Bronze break records and capture headlines, Dunn reminds us that their achievements stand on the shoulders of these early trailblazers. The parallel between past and present is striking—while the specifics of the struggle have evolved, the core battle for recognition and respect continues.
Dunn's prose strikes an elegant balance between scholarly precision and narrative engagement. She avoids the common pitfall of dry historical recounting, instead bringing these women's stories to vibrant life. The book is particularly powerful when sharing firsthand accounts, allowing these pioneers' voices to echo across decades with undiminished passion and determination.
Perhaps the book's greatest strength is its ability to demonstrate how the past illuminates the present. Through their reflections, we explore their remarkable journeys, understanding how these early acts of rebellion laid the groundwork for today's achievements in women's football. Dunn demonstrates that the current era of women's football didn't happen overnight—it was shaped by the bravery of those who refused to accept defeat.
"Flying the Flag" is more than just a sports book; it's a vital contribution to both football history and women's history. It serves as a powerful reminder that progress rarely comes without sacrifice, and that the right to play was—and sometimes still is—a battle worth fighting. For anyone interested in sports, social justice, or the power of human determination, this book offers an inspiring and essential read.
In documenting these pioneering women's journeys, Dunn has done more than preserve history—she's highlighted how the spirit of these early rebels continues to inspire and empower today's generation of players and fans alike. "Flying the Flag" stands as a testament to the enduring power of passion over prejudice, and the importance of remembering those who blazed the trail for others to follow.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 (Sent to You in the Last Week of May 2025)
Publisher: Visit Legend Press
Published: May 14, 2025
Price: £14.99
Paperback: 256 pages
ISBN-10: 1917163533
ISBN-13: 978-1917163538
Dimensions: 318 x 216 (mm)