Beyond Bend It Like Beckham: The Global Phenomenon of Women's Soccer

by Timothy F. Grainey, Brittany Timko (Foreword)

Though it burst into public consciousness only with the 1999 World Cup, women’s soccer has been around almost as long as its male counterpart, flourishing in England during and after World War I. From the rise of women’s soccer following Title IX legislation in the early seventies to the watershed 1999 World Cup performance that turned the American team into instant celebrities, soccer is now the most popular sport for girls and women, with participation growing exponentially worldwide. Beyond “Bend It Like Beckham” presents the first in-depth global analysis of the women’s game—both where it has come from and where it is headed. With commentary from key players, coaches, and administrators, Timothy F. Grainey follows the sport’s reach into the unlikeliest places today, even countries where women were banned from playing soccer just a few short years ago.


Though women in the United States and Canada still fight for equal treatment and funding, their situations differs markedly from the hostility, abuse, and even outright bans that some women still encounter in trying to pursue an activity they love. Through the prism of soccer, this book explores the struggle for women’s rights abroad, in countries as diverse as Sweden, Russia, South Africa, Pakistan, Australia, and Iran.

Genres: Sports

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2012

Reviews

[Maxanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book only because I was caught up in the absolutely incredible experience of the Women's World Cup 2015. A perfect time to read this book. Now I must admit it did give me more information than I was genuinely interested in knowing, but that said as it discussed soccer on each of the continents I did understand better the current crisis that all of FIFA is experiencing.
But most important I loved the discussion of the development of women's soccer in the USA. The book was a nice way to watch the Women's World Cup with more understanding. That said- nothing about reading this book compared in the least with the experience of actually watching the games!

[Karen Morrill-mcclure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book if you're interested in Women's Soccer around the world. A little dated because it must have been at the publishers when WPS fell apart, so kind of sad to read that he's hopeful that WPS will succeed and I knew it didn't. He did point out that Dan Barislow (sp? owner of MagicJack) was a bit of a loose cannon. The international info was especially interesting.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. It's a little outdated but I enjoyed the emphasis on the international game since most books about women's soccer focus on the United States.