Theresa Bennett is 42 … but what's new?

Abstract

In 1978, a 12‐year‐old girl, Theresa Bennett, legally challenged the Football Association (FA) for a right to play in an under‐12s team. Her original challenge was successful but then revoked on appeal six weeks later. Since 1978, there have been significant changes in the social landscape and structure of women's football in Britain. This article analyses the reporting of the Bennett case in the context of these recent changes. We conclude by acknowledging that considerable progress has been made by women's football in Britain, but that these changes are limited to primarily grass‐roots participation and illustrate the patriarchal structure and practices of football today.