Carla overbeck

As the Lionesses prepare to defend their title at the Euros, Radio Times tracked down the real trailblazers of the women’s game, who made their success on the pitch possible. From hosing down in cattle markets to forking out a fortune to play, they reveal the obstacles they overcame for the game they love

ENGLAND 1974–85

Morag Pearce (nee Kirkland), 67, from Southampton, lives with husband Gordon. They have two daughters and five grandchildren. Morag Pearce was 10 when she started kicking a football. Five years later

In the early 1970s, women’s football in England was a far cry from what it is today. Today, England’s Lionesses such as Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze and recently retired international goalkeeper Mary Earps

Eighteen years ago, when Arsenal’s women’s team conquered Europe for the first time, more continental success seemed almost inevitable. Victory in the 2007 UEFA Women’s Cup Final, over Umea, a Swedish

ENGLAND 1981–2000