Get set for Goal Power!
The Barclays FA Women’s Super League Trophy goes on show at a new exhibition celebrating women’s football opening at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery this weekend (18th June.)
Inspirational women
The trophy is one of the highlights of the exhibition which follows the stories of a dream squad of inspirational women representing over eight generations involved in the women’s game.
The Women’s Super League trophy has been loaned to the exhibition for two weeks by The Football Association as part of the celebrations around the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 championship taking place this summer.
Equivalent to the men’s Premier League and currently held by Chelsea FC Women, the trophy will be in the Goal Power! Women’s Football 1894 – 2022 exhibition until 29 June 2022.
Sent off for swearing!
The 'dream team' includes Eileen Bourne, the first woman to be sent off for swearing in a football match, 86-year-old June Jaycocks who was one of the earliest volunteers with The FA, Chris Lockwood, Leah Caleb and Gill Sayell of the Lost Lionesses who played in the unofficial World Cup in 1971 and Kelly Simmons MBE - FA Director of the Women's Professional Game.
Others include Maggie Murphy, CEO of Lewes WFC, the first club offering equal pay to the men and women’s teams and Scotland’s real-life Gregory Girl, Rose Reilly MBE.
Shirts and boots
The show also includes a variety of important items to commemorate the growth of women’s football across the world. This includes the football shirts of former England player Eni Aluko and a shirt donated by US soccer star Megan Rapinoe as well as a pair of leather football boots from 1921 owned by munitions worker Fanny Williams.
Celebrating women's football
CEO of The Royal Pavilion & Museums Trust Hedley Swain said: “We are excited to be hosting this important exhibition – a celebration of the women who have championed the cause of women’s football, closely linked to the wider campaign for women’s equality.
“With Brighton & Hove as one of the host cities for this summer’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 we hope the exhibition will play its part in continuing the process of recognising the women’s game and bringing even more equality to the world of football.”
Unique opportunity
Councillor Martin Osborne, joint chair of the council’s Tourism, Equalities, Communities and Culture Committee added: “Being chosen as one of the host cities for UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 presented us with a unique opportunity to create a lasting legacy for women’s football in the city.
“This exhibition is part of that legacy - a fitting tribute to the women who have fought for the right to play the beautiful game, tackling prejudice and striving for equality.
“I’d like to congratulate the museum curators for putting together such a fascinating experience which I’m sure will be one of the highlights of a visit to the city this summer.”
