The first public British Women’s football club game was played in March 1895 at the base of Alexandra Palace, not long after the palace had been founded. 

On the Sunday 26th March 2023, almost exactly 128 years after the first game, Alexandra Park Women’s Football Club re-enacted that that historic day against local rival Rose FC. 

Taking a theatrical tour through the history of women’s football, 66 different costumes were worn by local teams taking part.

The 1895 squads sported bloomers and neckties, the 1920s Dick Kerr Ladies had iconic collared shirts and hats, and we also saw where football is today with Adidas and Nike kits. 

In 1895, the Manchester Guardian typified reporting when it predicted: "When the novelty has worn off, I do not think women’s football will attract the crowds." However in 2023, we saw 300 people down in Alexandra Palace to watch the spectacle, and thousands will tune into the Women’s Super League and Champions League games over the coming weeks. This comes after a spectacular Summer in 2022 that saw the Lionesses lift the Women's Euros trophy and not only create history, but inspire thousands to take up the game. 

Alexandra Park Women's Captain, Kate Gerrand said of the day: "I feel incredibly privileged to be part of a generation that can stand on the shoulders of the people who built women’s football for the last 100 years. Sexism and misogyny in women’s football hasn’t gone away, but the women’s Euros win and the support we’ve received in organising this event make it feel like we’re reaching a turning point. There is lots to be positive about." 

To find out more about Alexandra Park Women FC, please click here.

If you are interested in finding out more about starting women's football at your club, click here to see how you can get started.

Photos by Nick Matthews.