The Homecoming: The Lionesses and Beyond

The Homecoming by Jane Purdon is a passionate account of the summer of 2022, when the Lionesses dazzled the nation and brought football home. It also reflects on Jane's personal journey as an activist, administrator, and leader in the beautiful game.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 22 May 2023
Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd

The Homecoming by Jane Purdon is a captivating and deeply personal account of the summer of 2022, when the Lionesses captivated the nation and brought football home. But it's not just a story about football; it's also Jane's personal journey. Since falling in love with the game at the age of seven, Jane has been an activist, administrator, and leader in the world of football, most recently serving as CEO of Women in Football.

Her journey spans her early days as a Sunderland fan, her first kicks of the ball in her late teens, her pioneering work in the early 1990s to promote women's involvement in football, and her subsequent career at the heart of the football establishment. In 1992, Jane wrote, "The England women's team winning the European Championship - now that is not a fairytale, it could just happen."

Thirty years later, that fairytale came true. In The Homecoming, Jane reflects on what has happened to women's football in the aftermath of the Lionesses' historic victory and what needs to happen next.

She discusses the impact of the Lionesses' success on the sport, both in terms of popularity and the level of investment and support it receives. She also highlights the challenges that remain, such as the lack of equal pay and opportunities for women in football, as well as the ongoing battle against discrimination and harassment.

Jane also shares her own experiences and insights as a player and coach, and how she has seen the sport evolve over the years. She reflects on the importance of representation and diversity in football, and how the Lionesses' victory has inspired a new generation of young women to pursue their dreams in the game.

The Homecoming is a powerful and inspiring book that not only celebrates the achievements of the Lionesses but also sheds light on the ongoing struggle for gender equality in football. It is a must-read for anyone who loves the sport, as well as for anyone who wants to see a more inclusive and equitable future for football.

Weight: 164g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801504843