‘Lost Lionesses’ who played during the ban on women’s football receive caps

The ‘Lost Lionesses’ have been celebrated for their trailblazing work for women’s football.

They played while a ban on women’s football was still in place in the UK.

Football had been deemed ‘quite unsuitable for females’ with those who defied the rule seen as an ‘infection’ that needed to be ‘dealt with’.

The 1971 England Women’s Team, managed by Harry Batt, had boldly travelled to Mexico for a World Cup in 1971.

They were launched to fame and stardom as they played in front of huge crowds of up to 90,000.

The team called themselves the British Independents, but were billed as ‘Inglaterra’ – Spanish for England – during the competition.

On their return to England the players were subsequently banned from playing football, some never to pick up their boots again.

Despite their huge success and popularity, and their role in breaking the boundaries for today’s women’s game to flourish, the 1971 squad had for years seemed to be forgotten.

It wasn’t until recent years that their stories began to be retold.

Now, the ‘Lost Lionesses’ have been celebrated in a dedicated ceremony to mark their achivements.

The former players met at the National Football Museum last night to be presented with upcycled caps.

A fan-led initiative, spearheaded by Craig Stronach and supported by the
Football Supporters Association (FSA), led to the event.

Mr Stronach said: ‘t’s with great pride that we launch this fan led initiative, that truly celebrates and gives back to the trailblazers of 1971.

‘We wanted to create something which recognised the team’s courage and contribution to women’s football, but ultimately puts fans at the heart of it.’

Designed by Sophie Hird, each cap was inspired by the team’s shirts, names and numbers.

The initiative was supported by Retro football shirts who donated England shirts to make the project possible.

For the event, Mitre commissioned football designer Jon-Paul Wheatley to create a hand-crafted football to celebrate the Lost Lionesses.

It was created as a gift to the family of Harry Batt, the man who boldly led the 1971 team out to Mexico.

Simon Breckon, Mitre brand director said: ‘The Mitre brand is built on rich heritage and craftsmanship for over 100 years, and we’re extremely proud of our roots in football and in the community.

‘We actively support all those with a real love of the game, and we feel the Lost Lionesses epitomises this.’

‘Celebrating fan culture is in our DNA. Now more than ever is a time for fans old and new to get behind women’s football being therein the key moments and making history.’

A round table discussion last night also focused on the experiences women faced in 71, in comparison to today’s game, and the work that still needs to be done to create greater opportunities for young talent.

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