 Football – the beautiful game, the game of skill, the game of gentlemen, the game of the masses. It is also one of the most popular sports for women to play both professionally or as amateurs, and it's no surprise – it's fun, exciting, and challenging to both mind and body. No wonder so many people – men and women, young and old – watch and play the game around the world each year.
Women's football, like almost all women's sport, has suffered throughout the years from a lack of corporate sponsorship, a shortage of coverage in the press and on sports channels, and a general lack of awareness from the public. There is still a stigma that surrounds the game – many believe it is a sport for men and boys, and not one in which women belong. It is sad that people still have such archaic beliefs, particularly as there are many women playing the game whose skills and talent would put other professional footballers to shame. Thankfully there are dedicated individuals – both players and administrators – who see that women's football can be just as entertaining to watch (and play) as men's football, and it is these individuals we have to thank for the development of an international women's football competition. National teams have been competing in the Women's World Cup since 1991; but there is also the UEFA Women's Championship, the English Ladies' Football Association Challenge Cup, and many strong youth tournaments that are viable outlets for talented women players.
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