MSB Woolton Angels celebrate the footballing females who inspire them for International Women's Day

The recent news that there are now twice as many registered female football teams in England as there were seven years ago comes as no surprise to MSB Woolton Angels, who started playing as a brand new Under-9s team in September 2023.

The youngsters from MSB Woolton Angels, who have come through MSB Woolton FC’s development program, have already built strong friendships, increased their confidence, and shown a love of the game that is inspiring to the adults around them.

The Angels have been such a hit that their numbers have more than doubled in the six months since forming and they have now established two Under-9 teams. Their Under-8s are preparing to join them in the Liverpool County FA Girl’s League next season.

The team learned this week that it hasn’t always been this way for Women’s Football. A hundred years ago, female teams were pulling in record crowds, with one – a match at Goodison Park in 1920 – bringing in 53,000 spectators. Just a year later, the FA ruled “the game of football is quite unsuitable for females and ought not to be encouraged” and banned women’s football from being played at any of its grounds. Those restrictions continued for more than 50 years, up until the 1970s.

Nine-year-old Emmy said:

“It’s really bad that they were told they weren’t allowed to play anymore! I would be really angry if that happened today. For us Angels, there are so many amazing footballers to look up to. Our favorite WSL teams and the Lionesses have shown us that girls are some of the best footballers in the world. One day, we might be just like them!”

Mike, one of the Angels’ Coaches, said:

“Beyond their enjoyment of the game on the pitch, these young players have discovered something just as, if not more, valuable: a fantastic group of friends. United by their love for the sport, the Angels see past differences in background, experience and ability. They celebrate each other’s successes and offer each other support, creating a real sense of family. Witnessing the ongoing growth of women’s football nationally and internationally is inspiring and we are really proud knowing that the Angels family is adding to it on a local level!”

The Angels are sponsored by local company Yeti Creative, who invited the squad to their Liverpool studio this week for a behind-the-scenes tour and a photoshoot where each player was asked to name the female footballer who inspires them.

Company Director Sophie Blackhurst was blown away by the energy they brought. She said:

“We know Yeti is a fun place to work, but fill the studio with Woolton Angels, and it’s next level! It was fabulous to see them all in action and having a great time. We heard all about how players from local girls Missy Bo Kearns and Emma Bissell to England heroes Leah Williamson and Mary Earps have inspired them and shown them that they can be whatever they want to be in life.”