Julia Brunton played for England in 1972, becoming part of the first officially affiliated team to play for their country after a 50-year ban on women's football was lifted the year before. Now Julia, who lives in Hove, East Sussex, says seeing the game grow in England with the success of the Lionesses has shone a light on the changes from just half a century ago. I just loved playing football, but now they can do it as a living which is something we would never have even thought of." In total, Julia played four times for England, scoring once. Shortly after, Julia moved to Brighton to get married, and played for the Brighton and Hove Supporters Club, Brighton GPO and C&C Sports – all precursors to the official Brighton & Hove Albion women's team.

Source: The Times July 27, 2025 08:51 UTC