Been watching the Lionesses win the Women’s Euro 2022 final. It’s been emotional.
I do follow women’s football a fair bit and I’ve been to watch my local side AFC Telford ladies play a few times. It’s free to get in and it’s always a nice atmosphere.
There is something inspirational about their story. It’s the greatest form of humanity to do what you love and to fight for the right to do so. To make so many sacrifices and to dedicate yourself when there’s so little opportunity. And of course when so many in society would tell you that you shouldn’t be doing what you love.
It was a genuine shock to learn that 101 years ago, the English FA had effectively banned the organisation of women’s football, refusing to sanction the association of a football league for women. It took 50 years until the FA allowed it, 6 years after the men had won the World Cup in ’66.
Seeing the unrestrained, unabashed, unapologetic joy in the players reminds that this is what makes us human, what we are. The joy comes from the moment when a lifetime of hard work and knock backs finally pays off.
And it’s obvious that the Lionesses are living their dream, unafraid of showing themselves to the world, unafraid of what anyone else thinks. I don’t know if I’ll ever be that brave but seeing them celebrate has brought a few tears to my eyes.
Credit must go Sarina Wiegman, the Dutch coach who was brought in to win the big trophies. Her success really exposes the mediocrity of her male predecessors. Men who seem to have only been appointed as stepping stone for their own careers, exposing how little respect the FA had for the Women’s game.
The sports bra celebration has got a few people talking but it’s absolutely iconic. Chloe Kelly who of course scored the winner in extra time, her first goal for England and one all England football fans will remember for a long time.
And she’ll have that moment for the rest of her life. These are the moments in life that I have always dreamed of.
In that moment she truly is untouchable and nothing can take that away from her.
And one more iconic moment from the legendary Jill Scott
Thanks for reading as always, have a great week ahead.
Jamie's Blog 