How Has Women's Soccer Changed

Changes In Women’s Soccer
The sport of soccer has overcome many changes through the years. In particular, women’s soccer compared to men’s soccer has gained much notoriety. The widespread knowledge of soccer has spread throughout numerous countries. Soccer began as a men’s sport, but today soccer is considered a significant sport for both genders. Women’s soccer has changed dramatically over the years with the new style and rules of the game as well as increase in popularity.
Over the years, women’s soccer has made some drastic changes which includes the playing field. Many years ago the playing field used to be too long and narrow, about 120 yards by 55 yards. Today, the fields are the best size for a great game, 110-120 yards long by 70-80
Back in the history of soccer, women joined together from different locations in large groups to play in the “mob” games. These games were a mixture of rugby and soccer (Women’s 3). Women’s soccer informally began in 1917 when a group of women that worked at an apprentice company bragged to others that they could play the game of soccer better than the men. This created a challenge which led to a match being played. The score of the game was never released to the press, but this event led to the formation of the Dick, Kerr Ladies Team. This occurrence sparked interest in other women competing in soccer, despite creating much distraction as women rarely worked outside of their homes (Women’s 5). In the early 1930’s, countries such as France and Italy formed women’s soccer leagues. It was not until after World War II when other countries joined in and women’s soccer gained notoriety. In 1950 Italy created its national association. In 1951, the first women’s league, the Craig Club Girls Soccer League, was formed. Prior to this establishment, women participated in soccer during gym class, occasional pickup games, and sometimes intramural college competition. The Craig Club Girls Soccer League had four teams and lasted for two seasons. This occurrence was a milestone in women’s soccer (Women’s 12). During the late 1960’s numerous regional and national leagues had been organized as well as the building of club
A new style of women’s soccer has been developed based off of the number of players on the field, how the game is played, and the field that this sport is played on. New rules have been brought into the game of soccer such as the goal kick, corner kick, and penalty kick. Since referees have been brought into the game of women’s soccer, it has made a dramatic impact. Women’s soccer has gained enormously in popularity. It is no longer just a men’s sport and it is not only played in gym classes or occasion pick up games. Women’s soccer has now developed tournaments which requires participants to wear uniforms. Overall, women’s soccer has had several changes in their style of the game, new rules, and number of