Manchester Corinthians: FA Apology Demanded for Past Mistreatment

0:00On March 17th, surviving players from the Manchester Corinthians, one of the first women's football teams in Britain, are rallying behind a campaign, for the Football Association to apologize for its past mistreatment. Formed in 1949, the team broke barriers despite the FA's 1921 ban that kept women off affiliated grounds and labeled the sport unsuitable for them. These pioneers played on rough muddy pitches in post-war Manchester and still racked up impressive feats, including an unofficial European cup win. Against Germany in 1957, tours to Italy in 1961 and a groundbreaking trip to South America. Now in their 70s to 90s, the former players say the prejudice lingers without recognition, especially after a 50-year exclusion that stifled the game. They credit a new documentary for finally amplifying their stories and fueling calls for accountability. The Manchester Evening News is championing the effort and has asked the FA for an official response.

1:01The film, titled, The Corinthians, We Were the Champions, screens next at home on April 2nd at 6.15pm and April 12th at 1pm. As women's football surges ahead today, this push for an apology aims to honor those early trailblazers and build a stronger foundation for the sport's full history.