A special exhibition at the World Cup is honoring the first England Lionesses. Historian Steve Bolton, whose grandmother was a prominent England player, has brought over cherished memorabilia to the United States. The memorabilia commemorates England’s pioneering women footballers from the World War One era and is now showcased in a museum in Kansas, the host city of the England team.
Named “The Beautiful Game,” the exhibition at the National World War 1 Museum and Memorial is anticipated to attract over a quarter of a million visitors. Steve expressed his determination to ensure the recognition of the women footballers of WW1 for their contributions that were often overlooked.
Among the displayed items sent by Steve are postcards, a shirt, and boots paying homage to the women who played during and post-WW1 before facing a ban by the Football Association. Steve highlighted the early presence of media superstars in women’s football over a century ago, emphasizing the resilience of women in excelling at the sport despite obstacles.
The museum’s focus on celebrating the significant but lesser-known role of women footballers during WW1 includes highlighting Englishwoman Maud Smith and the Sterling Ladies FC, known as the ‘Dagenham Invincibles,’ who were a dominant team during the war period.
Steve shared his personal connection to the cause, mentioning his grandmother’s impactful career as an England player after WW1 and expressing pride in supporting the museum’s tribute to the original women football stars. The museum’s spokesperson emphasized the exhibition’s theme of showcasing the deep connections between football and the Great War, coinciding with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City.
