Women's History Month

In honour of Women’s History Month, we will be doing a series of blog posts called “Women’s Wednesday’s Football Focus Series,” where we will highlight the amazing achievements of female footballers. The Scottish Football Museum is honoured to have items relating to their successful careers, and we want to showcase these player’s incredible achievements. 

As Women's History Month unfolds, it's the perfect time to reflect on the remarkable journey of Scottish women in football. While the sport has historically been dominated by men, the rise of women's football in Scotland showcases a legacy of strength, resilience, and determination. From grassroots initiatives to professional leagues, Scottish women have defied odds, shattered stereotypes, and carved out a space of their own on the pitch.  

The origins of women's football in Scotland can be pinpointed to 1628 in Carstairs, a village in South Lanarkshire, where the earliest documented instance of women’s football took place. Contrary to common belief, women's football isn't a recent development but rather dates back at least 394 years. This fact is evidenced by a historical church record in which Reverend John Lindsay expressed disapproval of the game being played on Sundays, referring to the players' conduct as "insolent behavior."

Despite the challenges they faced, these trailblazers persisted, driven by their passion for the game and their desire for equality. In 1881, the first recorded women's football match in Scotland took place, setting the stage for generations of women to come.  

 Throughout the years, Scottish women's football continued to evolve, with more clubs and teams forming across the country. However, progress was slow, and women's football faced many setbacks, including bans and restrictions imposed by the Scottish Football Association. Despite these obstacles, Scottish women continued to play the game they loved, often organising matches and tournaments on their own terms.