Citation

Harris J. J. Sport Soc. Iss. 2005; 29(2): 184-197.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0193723504273120

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The following article offers an insight into the experiences of female football players at a college of higher education in the south of England. Its principal focus is the image of the game and, in particular, how the women themselves interpret and define their involvement in the sport. Using an interpretive, inductive approach, the study highlights the struggles of heterosexual women in explaining and making sense of their participation in a traditionally male activity. Because of the game's perceived association to lesbianism, a number of the football players have to make explicit their own sexuality and some embark on a process of identity management. The study explores the complex relationship between women and football and provides an alternative insight into the game and the people who play it.

Keywords: Soccer

Language: en