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Unsuitable for Females, suitable for all

On September 8, Carrie Dunn discusses the rise of women’s football in England at Birmingham Waterstones

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Norway v England -World Cup Women Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images

What a week! Aston Villa come back to draw against Manchester City, and now the brilliant Carrie Dunn will be speaking at the Birmingham Waterstones at 6pm on Thursday September 8th to talk about her new book, Unsuitable for Females - The Rise of the Lionesses and women’s football in England.

As excited as we all are about Villa getting a point against one of the toughest teams in the Premier League, let’s face it: they’re almost certain to disappoint come Saturday, against Leicester City. The England Women’s National Football Team—not so much.

Book cover for Unsuitable for Females - The Rise of the Lionesses and women’s football in England by Carrie Dunn
Unsuitable for Females - The Rise of the Lionesses and women’s football in England by Carrie Dunn

England’s Lionesses are on the front and back pages; their stars feature on prime-time television; they are named in the national honours lists for their contribution to their sport and to society. The names of Lucy Bronze, Steph Houghton and Ellen White are emblazoned across the backs of children’s replica jerseys. These women are top athletes - and top celebrities.

But in 1921, the Football Association introduced a ban on women’s football, pronouncing the sport ‘quite unsuitable for females’...find out about the subversive women who kept organising their teams and matches despite the prohibition, who broke barriers and set records - the legends of the game who built the foundations of the stage upon which today’s stars flourish.

For more information, check out “An Evening With Carrie Dunn.

Not in Birmingham? That’s no reason not to get your reading on. In addition to buying Carrie’s book through Waterstones, it’s available at WHSmith, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Barnes & Noble, and pretty much wherever else you buy your favorite books. Follow Carrie on Twitter to check out her other events and everything else she’s writing and speaking about!