FA’s ban on transgender women playing in women’s football begins

[Pelican Press 0]

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FA’s ban on transgender women playing in women’s football begins

Georgie started playing football when she was five and grew up around the game, with her two brothers and uncle heavily involved in the sport.

“When I heard about the FA’s decision, it gave me a deep sense of reassurance,” she said.

“I was happy that something was being done to protect the integrity of the women’s game, a space that means so much to me and so many other women and girls.

“This isn’t about excluding anyone. It’s about recognising the importance of fairness and safety in sport.”

Georgie, who is in her early 20s, says her view is deeply rooted in the scientific research that suggests the physiological differences established during male puberty create advantages that cannot be fully reversed with hormone therapy.

There is limited research into what effect transitioning can have on an athlete – because there are so few transgender athletes. However, studies are currently under way.

Georgie also told BBC Sport that her opinions are shared by the rest of her team and have been shaped by their experiences.

“One of the teams we faced included two transgender women. I’ve seen first-hand how the physical differences played out on the pitch,” she said.

“This isn’t something we see week in, week out in the women’s game… None of us had consented to be part of that kind of match-up, and yet we were put in that position.

“What’s worse is that when we try to speak up, we’re told not to. As captain, my coach made it clear that saying anything to the match officials or to the FA – even politely – would likely result in punishment. That fear of retribution silences so many of us.”

On11 April the FA updated its rules to allow trans women – who are biologically male – to continue to play in women’s football under stricter criteria before changing its policy a few days later after the Supreme Court ruling.

Georgie said she hoped “we can continue to work towards creating spaces within football where transgender women can participate in a way that’s safe, fair, and respected”.

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