Never Say Die: The Hundred-Year Overnight Success of Australian Women’s Football
Reviewed By Nan van Dissel January 1, 2020
Author Fiona Crawford, Lee McGowan
Distributor: New South Books
ISBN: 9781742236667
Publisher: NewSouth
Release Date: November 2019
Website: https://www.newsouthbooks.com.au
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The ‘Matildas’ have become the pride of Australia in the field of football; they have exceeded all expectations to become a force in women’s football. This wasn’t always the case!
Fiona Crawford and Lee McGowan in their book ‘Never Say Die’ track the story of Australian women’s football; their substantive international achievements and domestic challenges. The book not only highlights how in the early days the key hindrance was men; their lack of interest, support and even sabotage, but also the role of many very determined, committed women.
Despite all obstacles put in their way, these passionate women were tenacious and dedicated to the cause of having women’s football truly accepted. The inclusion of their stories gives the reader insight into the many obstacles placed in their way and the steadfast manner in which they moved towards their goal of equality for the women players.
The authors document and highlight the popularity of the women’s game over 100 year and anecdotally explain the reaction of the all-male authorities. This gives the reader a greater understanding of the trials and tribulations which needed to be overcome by the talented women players.
Through dedicated research of archives and interviews with players, administrators and fans, the authors have been able to publish a book, which will long be used as an authoritative reference for those wishing to understanding the development of women’s football.
I highly recommend this book to not only readers who are sports fans, but also to those who wish to obtain a greater understanding of women’s struggle for equality and recognition. From its grassroots games organized over one hundred years ago, the struggles of women to become fully accepted in the football world as equal partners is still on going!