During World War I, women’s soccer became hugely popular in England. While men were off fighting on the frontlines, women formed soccer teams and leagues for entertainment, similar to the All-American Girls’ Professional Baseball League that formed in the US during World War II.

The crowds who attended these games rivaled those that enjoy women’s soccer today. A 1920 boxing day match between the Dick, Kerr Ladies and the St. Helen’s Ladies was attended by 53,000 fans with another 10,000 - 15,000 having to be turned away.