In a tribute to the pioneering women footballers of England, the inaugural Lionesses are being celebrated through a special exhibition at the World Cup. Historian Steve Bolton, whose grandmother was a notable player, has curated a collection of cherished memorabilia from the World War One era, now on public display in Kansas, the host city where the England team is stationed.

The exhibition titled “The Beautiful Game” at the National World War 1 Museum and Memorial is expected to attract over 250,000 visitors. Steve Bolton expressed his commitment to preserving the legacy of the WW1 women footballers, emphasizing their often overlooked contributions to the sport.

Among the showcased items are postcards, a jersey, and boots that symbolize the resilience and talent of the women who defied societal barriers to excel in football during and post-WW1, before facing a ban from the Football Association.

Steve highlighted the early prominence of female football stars, predating the success of the current Lionesses team. He noted the irony that it took an American museum to recognize the greatness of these trailblazing women, expressing hope for broader acknowledgment in their home country.

The museum’s focus on celebrating the significant role played by women footballers during WW1 includes showcasing the achievements of Maud Smith and the Sterling Ladies FC, known as the ‘Dagenham Invincibles,’ who dominated the era with an unbeaten streak across two seasons.

Personalizing the story, Steve shared his grandmother Lizzy Ashcroft’s remarkable journey as one of England’s finest players, underscoring the lack of recognition she and her contemporaries received during their lifetimes.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the museum’s spokesperson highlighted the exhibition as a testament to the enduring connection between football and the historical context of the Great War, offering a unique perspective on the sport’s evolution through time.