Situated in the heart of Manchester, the National Football Museum is committed to telling the story of the women’s game across its four floors.
Visitors can see more women’s shirts, silverware and stories than ever. Take snaps with a replica of the Women’s Super League trophy; marvel at the country’s first ever statue of a female footballer, Lily Parr; and see kit worn by Lionesses stars such as Hope Powell, Eni Aluko and Fara Williams.
As part of its commitment to celebrating the women’s game, the museum is hosting its first exhibition dedicated entirely to the women’s football – and wants you to get involved.
• ‘Crossing the Line: the story of women’s football’ opens on Wednesday 6 July and runs until the end of the year. You can track the game’s early growth, the effects of The FA’s de facto ban, the game’s survival and its recent resurgence.
The first half kicks off with a look at the game’s origins, the story of the all-conquering Dick, Kerr Ladies, and the ill-fated ‘ban’ in 1921. After a short half-time interval, the exhibition restarts in the autumn with a renewed focus on the present, celebrating the impact of the game from grassroots to the elite level.
Over the course of the Score Gallery exhibition, the National Football Museum is asking visitors to #CrossTheLine. The museum wants you to share your memories and objects within the exhibition itself, preserving and amplifying the story of women’s football for future generations.
The museum will also be running a series of events, talks and activities alongside the exhibition. Check their official website for the full fixture list.
Free Outdoor Exhibition
Trafford | Trafford Wharf Road | M17 1AB | Sir Alex Ferguson Way | M17 1WS | Alongside the Canal
Exhibitions
Women’s Football in Trafford
Trafford Local Studies Centre
10 June – 10 July
In the weeks leading up to the opening match, Trafford will be exploring the local history of women’s football. The Trafford borough may cover little more than forty square miles, but significant games, teams, and tournaments have taken place across the region, and have played their part in the development of the sport.
There are records of women’s football games in the area going back to the late-nineteenth century. In 1921, a game between Dick, Kerr Ladies and Bath Ladies at Old Trafford was watched by over 30,000 visitors, and throughout the twenty-first century significant games were staged at White City, Stretford, Timperley, and other venues across the borough. Over the last fifty years many prominent teams have been established in the area: such as Sale Hotel, Trafford, and Redstar (to name a few), while Trafford women have played for prominent teams outside of our borough.
A new virtual exhibition aims to capture not only the voices of women from Trafford who played football, but also those who played for women’s football teams based in Trafford. Trafford Local Studies is uncovering these stories through an oral history programme, virtual and on-site exhibitions, and a contemporary collecting programme. They are keen to hear the memories of women who have contributed to this rich history of women’s football in the area. They are also keen to locate objects – such as match programmes and other memorabilia – which helps us tell this story.
More information: https://exploringtraffordsheritage.omeka.net/exhibits
History of Women's Football
National Football Museum
1 July 2022
Join Dr Gary James for a celebration of women's football. This talk and panel discussion will uncover the history of women’s football, focusing on the Trafford borough starting in the 1890s; then covering the sport's growth in the early twentieth century; the 1921 FA ban and its local impact; the pioneering teams and individuals of the interwar and post war years; then the game's rise and development throughout to the modern day. With particular emphasis on players, games and teams from Trafford this promises to be an entertaining talk.
The second half takes on a different tone as former players from local teams take to the stage to provide their experiences. Former players from the pioneering Manchester Corinthians, Manchester City and the original Manchester United women's teams will be interviewed about their careers. Their experiences and enthusiasm for the sport provide a valuable insight into over sixty years of football history. Trafford has a proud history of women's football and this event will explain how the women ensured the game developed despite a near fifty year ban and other obstacles placed in their way.
Free (though the National Football Museum usual charges apply) - https://www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/whats-on-nfm/ .
Crossing the Line: The Story of Women’s Football
National Football Museum
6 July – 31 December
The National Football Museum has launched a new exhibition dedicated to the history of the women’s game – and wants you to be part of it!
The new exhibition, Crossing the Line: the story of women’s football, chronicles the game’s early growth, the effects of The FA’s de facto 1921 ban, its survival and its resurgence in recent decades.
The exhibition is split into two halves. The first half tells the story of the women’s game up until the ban, from its nineteenth-century origins to the all-conquering Dick, Kerr Ladies.
The second half kicks off later in the summer, focusing on the present state of play within women’s football, from the grassroots up to the professional game.
The museum will be collecting stories and objects from players, supporters and communities, answering important questions and celebrating its perseverance, growth and increasing popularity.
Over the course of the Score Gallery exhibition, the museum is asking visitors to #CrossTheLine, contributing their thoughts and sharing their stories within the exhibition itself and via social media.
More information: https://www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/whatson/crossing-the-line/
Complementing the exhibition, the museum will also be hosting a series of talks, events and activities, including:
Euro Heroes: England Celebration Day
National Football Museum
25 June & 31 August 2022
A series of one-day festivals at the National Football Museum! They’ll be honouring the Lionesses with a host of activities, including:
● A brand-new gallery trail launch – featuring a prize giveaway!
● Face painting.
● Live music from their favourite brass band, playing England and football fan classics
● Make Your Own Tournament Armband Activity
● Design your own football stickers!
Plus, footy interactives, oral history events, storytelling with famous authors and loads more!
Free upon entry to the museum, i.e. free to Manchester residents and existing ticket-holders.
More information on: www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/whats-on-nfm/
