Army football veteran beats the drum for women's football at National Army Museum event
Army football player Captain Krissy Wright has played an important role in the Army football set up at all levels since she was 19 years old.
Her 25 years of experience on the pitch in the infamous Army red shirt was valued this week when she was invited to talk at the National Army Museum, who are hosting a series of events entitled ‘Football and War’.
Capt Wright helped to kick off the event with a special talk on Women in Football and the historic relationship between women’s football and the British Army.
"I have never done anything like this before," she admitted.
She added: "The fact that they're inviting me along to talk about my football career in the Army is just a huge honour and I'm really looking forward to it.
"I've played for over 25 years now, so from when I was first starting as a 19-year-old, I've seen a lot of changes for the good and I really want to emphasise the advantages of football in the military and sport in general and how it's an utter benefit to everyone who takes part."
In 1921, the Football Association issued a ban preventing women's teams from playing, despite record crowds attending female fixtures during The Great War.
When that ban was lifted in 1969, women's football across the United Kingdom has been playing catch up ever since.
"I think a lot of the younger generation may not understand the background of that and it has been a constant fight," Capt Wright explained.
"It has been an absolute fight for the women who came before us, and we have them to thank for that.
"What I want to do is emphasise that on the panel and just make sure that women's football is seen in a positive light and especially in the military now.
She added: "Sport, irrelevant to what it is, football, rugby, it is a guiding light to anyone who played it, it is a huge advantage being in the military and being able to play sport."
Combining a career in the military while perusing their footballing aspirations is something servicewomen, like their male counterparts, are determined to do, despite an ever-increasing workload on the UK Armed Forces.
"The sacrifices that the girls make to make their career work alongside a footballing career, I’ve played with some phenomenal players over the years and continue to this day to do so," she said.
"I think it's just highlighting that support network over the years and how it's developed, highlighting those names and those individuals who have helped push us to where we are at the minute."
The Football and War season kicks off with Women in Football on 22 May, with two further events at the National Army Museum in July and October.
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