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| Ken Aston Referee Society ~ Football Encyclopedia Bible |
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Encyclopedia of British Football ~ Women's Football Association ~ 
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| In 1966 England won the World
Cup. This event revived interest in the game and a growing number of
women took up football. The Women's Football Association (WFA) was
formed in November, 1969 by David Marlowe and Arthur Hobbs. Initially
the WFA had 44 member clubs. In July 1971, the Football Association
agreed to lift the ban which forbade women playing on the grounds of
affiliated clubs. The WFA established a women's cup competition in 1971. In the first final Southampton beat Stewarton and Thistle 4-1. For many years Dick Kerr Ladies represented England against foreign national sides. The first official women's international in Britain took place at Greenock in November 1972. England beat Scotland 3-2. In 1983 the WFA affiliated to the Football Association. Although the FA Women's Committee was chaired by a man, all other key posts were held by women. Women were also appointed to coach the national teams of England (Hope Powell) and Scotland (Vera Pauw). The English side reached the final of the first UEFA women's tournament in 1984 and in 1985 won the first "Mini World Cup" competition. Women's football has continued to grow in popularity. In September 1991 the WFA established a national league with 24 clubs. The number of women's teams playing in Britain increased from around 500 in 1993 to about 4,500 in 2000. There are also over 6,500 women coaches in Britain. In 2002 the Football Association published figures to suggest that football has become the top sport for girls and women in Britain. |
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