Lisa De Vanna, is considered one of the greatest ever female footballers. She's currently sits second on the all-time scoring charts for The Matilda's.
De Vanna, went on to star and score vital goals in consecutive World Cup's and Olympic Games, whilst representing her country.
Ironically, it was The FA, who would deprive De Vanna, of adding yet another notable achievement to what was a remarkable career. In 2016, the brilliant Australian striker, was set to make history, when League One, Club, Bristol Rovers, collaborating with Soccer X, had agreed to accommodate De Vanna, in the Rover's (men's) team, in a pre season friendly.
The FA Director of the Women's game, at the time, Kelly Simmons, explained why the governing body, would prevent De Vanna, from making football history, and become the first female to play for a men's pro team.
Soccer X and Bristol Rovers' chairman, Steve Hamer, were disappointed. However, felt Kelly's mission-statement, was a laudible one. Kelly's reasoning, was that The FA', wanted to celebrate the DIFFERENCE between the women's game and the men's. Not seek to replicate or emulate it.
There's much to admire with that mission statement. Why can't the women's game, remain separate and distinct from the men's game. Does it really need to be compared or defined by the male game?
The women's game continues to make huge progress. Much of that down to Kelly's visionary work on behalf of the FA and women's football per se.
The women's game's, is of course, still burgeoning. Not fully formed. It has and will encounter growing pains. Many football enthusiasts perhaps aren't aware, the WSL only went fully professional in 2018. Compared to the men's game, which went professional in 1888.
You can learn more about this fascinating story and subject matter on the Politics' Channel, Raw Politik.
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