Born to play: the rise of women’s football

Something has happened to the Nike swoosh.

One of the world’s most recognisable and iconic logos has undergone its biggest revolution so far. On football clubs’ third kits, the swoosh will now be vertical. Why?

Nike explained: 'Together We Rise, built to celebrate the women’s game from grassroots to greatness… Intentional vertical swoosh to show the upwards rise, togetherness and acceleration of women’s football.'

This reflects an incredibly exciting time for women’s football. As the Women’s Super League (WSL) kicked off again last weekend^[1] , it is amazing to reflect on how much it has developed in recent years - particularly since the Lionesses’ Euro 22 victory.

More people than ever are watching the games both on screens and in stadiums. The WSL set a new season attendance record in 2023-24, with six rounds of matches still to be played. The record for a single match was also broken when Arsenal beat Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium, with 60,160 tickets sold.

This has also translated into financial success, with WSL revenue jumping by 50% from the previous season.

The wider impact is evident in that there are now twice as many registered female football teams in England as there were seven years ago.

Whilst there is still plenty of criticism around, millions of people are celebrating the growth of women’s football and will continue to fight for something closer to equality.

She’s born to play

One could argue that the Bible gives us the best foundation for encouraging female sports players, and is the very place where the idea of equality comes from.

In the very first pages of the Bible, we see the immense creativity of God displayed as He speaks the universe, in all its diversity and wonder, into being. This reaches its climax with the creation of human beings.

So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27)

What does this tell us?

It tells us that both men and women are created in the image of God. This is the greatest stamp of approval possible, this is a declaration that human beings are of infinite value and worth. Both male and female. Equal.

It tells us that both men and women can reflect the creativity of the Creator God who made them in His image. Humans are given bodies with gifts and talents to use and cultivate for His glory. This includes the ability to play sport!

So if you have the ability to run, jump, tackle, defend, pass or score… as you use those talents you can live out the very image of God! You - male or female - are born to play.

Creation tells us that women matter to God. God does not see women as less worthy than men to get on the pitch and use the gifts He gave us.

Let this encourage you to go and play.

With every drill, fitness test, training session. With every goal or miss, every assist or wayward pass, every tackle or every time you’re beaten. Whether you’re starting or on the bench. Whether you’re playing professionally or with your friends in the park.

You can live out the image of God, and know that He smiles on you as you play for His glory.

And let this encourage you to watch women play football. See the incredible talent on display, and let it point you to the magnificent, creative God who gave these women the talent to play. And praise Him!