I read this book a couple of years ago and actually thought I had written a review, however now is a great time to write a review (as I write this it is the Women’s Football World Cup). 

I am not the biggest fan of football except when my boys are playing but I wanted to read this book from a “women in sport” perspective, and this book delivered. 

It gave a fantastic insight into women’s football in England. However I must say that since the book was written the Lionesses have gone from strength to strength. What this book definitely demonstrates is how bloody hard women in sport in particular football have worked to get to this point. 

What I liked about this book was the case studies  – they weren’t called this in the book but it is how I perceived them. Focussing on different teams and individuals.  Clearly showing the difficulties teams and individuals have when wanting to play football.  I found myself routing for the team or the player to find the time to play or have support to put the team together. 

Since reading this book I have linked in with many grassroots women’s teams in all sports and the challenges are the same that Carrie clearly outlines in the book. These challenges being:

• Finances for the team
• Volunteer support
• The teams having enough players
• The players having the time to train and play. 

All of the above are more challenging for women due to finding the time and mum guilt, a cliché I know but absolutely the reality. 

What I loved about this book is the friendships that were captured within the teams, the way that they were described really was a feel good factor. I am not in a sports team as such but part of a swimming group and cycling group. I love the friendships that I have formed and the book allowed me to reflect on this. 

This is a great read for anyone interested in women’s issues, women in sport and definitely women in football.