National Football Museum aim for 50/50 gender representation in exhibits in women's game boost

Manchester's National Football Museum has linked up with Women’s Super League to highlight the women’s professional game just before the 2023/24 season gets underway.

The museum has a limited collection of the recent stars of the English top tier, and has confirmed their commitment to add to the current match-worn shirts, gloves, trophies and medals collected throughout the league's short history. Former Manchester City goalkeeper, Karen Bardsley, was one of the first female players to donate to the museum and she was on hand to support their announcement.

The museum is aiming towards a 50/50 representation of men's and women's artefacts in the coming years. And ahead of the 2023/24 WSL season, all 12 clubs have either donated or loaned a piece of memorabilia to support them in that aim.

Speaking regarding the collaboration, The FA’s Director of Women’s Football, Baroness Sue Campbell, said: “The women’s professional game has never been more prominent in society, and it is so vital that we celebrate and showcase those who have played their part in getting it to where it is.

“It’s fantastic that the National Football Museum are committed to helping grow the women’s game in this way. The museum is an iconic landmark of British football history, and having representation of the Barclays Women’s Super League, and the wider women’s game, on display there is hugely important.

“We’re currently living in an era where we are seeing the greatest of the women’s game thrive and make their own impact – and history is being made right now.

“We’re all very excited to see this collaboration flourish over the coming years, with more pieces of women’s football history taking centre stage for future generations to enjoy.”

National