Boots and Laces includes a charming foreword by Marieanne Spacey, and several insightful articles by women and men who are involved in girls' and women's football on a daily basis. Take for example the work of Keith Boanas at Charlton Athletic Ladies FC, and compare that with Tim Crook's work with Assundun Vikings Girls FC, and you will see examples of the dedication of two people at different ends of the footballing spectrum. The interview with Hope Powell provides readers with an honest portrayal of her work with the England National First Team, and outlines her aspirations for the future of women'football. Add to that the contribution of the Football Association, which includes a history of the women's game and a very interesting piece on the England team in addition to player profiles with accompanying photographs, juxtaposed with a beautiful introduction on the history of women's football written by Gill Sandford, the photographer, and the woman behind the idea for this book.
Other articles and contributions range from Emma Wake's coaching experiencesin the United States, to Kate Rehill's extremely interesting and scientific piece on sports therapy in women's football. We have also included a
segment on referees' anecdotes which includes a contribution from Verity Waldney, sixteen years old, who actually qualified as a referee close to a year ago!
The final part of the book is dedicated to the teams. It includes club histories and who's who sections on the ten clubs in the National Premier League and the twelve each in the Northern and Southern Leagues. These profiles, provided by the teams themselves, provide an insight into the clubs, their histories and ambitions.
Throughout, the book includes beautiful photographs which capture the women during training, matches and celebrations. There are also plenty of supporter photos, which illustrate the passion and excitement of those supporters, both young and old, male and female.
Boots and Laces: An Insight into Women's Football in England is a beautiful book, which will prove to be a wonderful addition to any football enthusiast's collection. It would make an extremely attractive, informative and colourful gift, which would delight its recipient.