### Introduction
Over the last few years, women’s football has been on the rise and earned more recognition. The history of women’s football from the bottom right to elite level shown full with resilience, growth and an on-going struggle for equality What this article is looking at, the history of current state and development avenue to future women football throughout the world.
### Historical Background
#### Early Beginnings
Women’s football has a long history that predates the 1890s, with documented customs being played in England and Scotland. The earliest women’s football game that has been recorded in Scotland was in 1881. Societal norms and gender bias also had dampen the growth despite that early enthusiasm.
#### Post-War Era
This is despite a blossoming of women’s football in Europe after World War I, particularly England where factory teams played to large crowds. Dick, Kerr Ladies made the largest amount of public appearances raising money for charity. But, in 1921 the game suffered a major setback when women were banned by The Football Association (FA) from playing on affiliated grounds.
#### Revival and Progress
This ban wasn’t lifted until 1971, and it somewhat set back the women’s football landscape. National teams emerged and international competitions were created in the 1970s and 1980s. A pair of unofficial Women’s World Cups were conducted in 1970 and ’71. Though the tournament would not become official until its inaugural edition in 1991, essentially it was first held in Italy and for third place.
### Growth and Development
#### FIFA Women’s World Cup
The FIFA Women’s World Cup was an important factor in the promotion and professionalisation of women’s football. The first World Cup, held in China back 1991 and featuring a field of barely more than two handfuls (12 teams), represented something like the sport’s beginning. Ultimately the United States defeated those rivals to establish a dominance in women’s football which has never been seriously challenged.
Upcoming tournaments have seen improved participation, media coverage and support from fans. The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which was held in France set new records – one of such is being the most-heavily viewed women sporting event. The tournament demonstrated the vast skills and increasingly level of the women’s game, globally.
UEFA Women’s Champions League
The UEFA Women’s Champions League has helped to raise the quality of club football since its introduction in 2001. This offers the best teams across Europe a place to compete, encouraging talent and awareness in our community. Teams such as Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, FC Barcelona Femení and VfL Wolfsburg have all won the competition on multiple occasions – reflecting how highly contested women’s club football has become.
#### Domestic Leagues
The professionalization of domestic leagues around the world has expanded massively. Here in the United States, you have a league like the NWSL and overseas with England’s FA WSL and France’s Division 1 Féminine. These leagues have been essential in maintaining a competitive experience for tournaments.
### Challenges and Barriers
#### Gender Inequality
Although strides have been made in the women’s game, sexism is still rampant. The sport has had enormous growth but is still dogged by problems such as unequal pay, poor resources and facilities. The prize money of the FIFA Women’s World Cup pales in comparison to that of its male equivalent, and is just one instance featuring financial imbalances.
#### Media Coverage
Although media coverage has been improved Women football is still miles away from Men’s football. Sponsorship opportunities and fan engagement are stunted due to the lack of exposure. This gap is being addressed, broadcasters are committing to showing more women’s games and major networks cover key tournaments.
Cultural and societal factors
Cultural and societal barriers prevent women from engaging in football throughout much of the world. That means girls are not able to play the sport because of stereotypes, lack of support or no access to training facilities. Organizations and initiatives are making progress in breaking these barriers by encouraging more diversity and opportunities for young girls to play football.
### Advocacy and Progress
#### Equal Pay Movement
IntroSometimes the need concerning pay equality among women’s football players is a warm concern. The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) is one of the advocates, having filed a lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation for gender discrimination. Their efforts have won very public and wide support, helping to inspire similar movements worldwide.
#### Grassroots Development
Women’s football has a lot of growing to do from the grassroots level There are programmes and initiatives directed towardsgetting young girls access to playing soccer all over the world. FIFA, UEFA and other national federations are plowing money into developing mass systems to identify talent at a lower level.
#### Professionalization
This is a big win for women’s professional football. A significant number of clubs and national teams are offering professional contracts that allow their female talent to play the sport full-time. It has made for better training, which means improved performance and a higher level of play.
ICONIC FIGURES IN WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
#### Marta Vieira da Silva
Marta is considered by many as the greatest female footballer of all-time and has led the way in this regard. Among very many awards, with the legend winning FIFA World Player of the year on six different occasions alone, however it is often cited that Marta’s influence goes well beyond what she has been able to do during games. A staunch supporter of gender equality, she has inspired a generation young girls to take-up football.
#### Megan Rapinoe
Megan Rapinoe – Talented, Social Justice Advocate Rapinoe is a linchpin for the USWNT, having earned multiple World Cups and Olympic gold medals. She is a staunch advocate in fighting for equal pay, as well as being vocal about LGBTQ+ rights when she’s not on the field.
#### Ada Hegerberg
In 2018 Ada Hegerberg also became the first ever winner of the prestigious Ballon d’Or Féminin. Due to her frequent scoring in Olympique Lyonnais Hegerberg is the direct result for Lyon lining up their skates. While she has since opted to boycott the Norwegian national team over disparities in pay, her actions speak louder than words for gender equality.
Women’s Football – Here, Now and The Future
#### Increased Investment
Sponsors, broadcasters and clubs are starting to see more value in women’s football as investment increases. Women in sports are receiving financial benefits, visibility and support from some of the biggest brands This boost in investment is vital for further development and professionalization of the sport.
#### Expansion of Tournaments
So, the prospect of tournaments being expanded all in one place is good. The expansion of the Women’s World Cup to 32 teams from 2023, courtesy FIFA, is yet again proof (if any were needed), that football as a women’s sport has nothing short of entered mainstream. The broader tournament format creates additional possibilities for teams and individual players to participate on the world-wide scale.
Technology Advancements
Fans are getting better experiences due to technology as is the sport itself. Technology in the modern game- From VAR (Video Assistant Referee) to advanced performance analytics. Advancements like these are creating a more balanced and level playing field creating better sporting edge & for fans.
### Conclusion
From where women’s football has come it its early days, which was marginalised and limited recognition. Over the past year, significant progress has been made in this journey all driven by nothing but passion and determination of players, advocates and fans alike. Women’s football is a long way behind, but money-driven clubs and federations are now beginning to realize the irndxence of investing in the sport as both an asset rather than profit-sink (commonly belibeved ilnbx men`s football) or charity. Long may it inspire and empower generations, reinforcing to all that football is indeed a game for everyone.