Trailblazer Gill Sayell: Celebrating a Pioneer in Women's Football

The Early Days of a Football Enthusiast

Gill Sayell’s passion for football began in the 1960s when she was just a young girl. With no local girls' team available, she cut her hair short, adopted the name Billy, and played for the boys' team. This was during a time when the Football Association (FA) had banned women's football from professional grounds, a prohibition that lasted nearly 50 years.

The Unofficial Women's World Cup: Copa 71

At the age of 14, Gill was scouted to represent an 'England' squad at Copa 71, an unofficial women's World Cup held in Mexico. The experience was surreal for her, as she was greeted by paparazzi upon her arrival. However, her return home was met with a three-month ban from playing, and her team’s manager was banned for life.

Founding Member of Arsenal Women’s Team

Despite the setbacks, Gill went on to become a founding member of the Arsenal women's team. She played in men's hand-me-down kits and was the team's first female player of the year for the 1987-1988 season. She reflects on the progress made in women's football, stating, 'It was progression, but I think it could have happened a lot earlier than it did.'

Honoured by David James

Gill’s contributions to women's football have now been immortalized in a portrait by former England goalkeeper David James. The portrait is part of the BBC's Extraordinary Portraits series, which highlights individuals with powerful personal stories. James described Gill as a 'trailblazer' and 'pioneer' of women's football, emphasizing the sacrifices she made in an era when the sport was not supported.

Legacy and Impact

Gill’s journey has paved the way for future generations of women in football. The 2022 Women's Euros, where England triumphed against Germany at a packed Wembley Stadium, is a testament to the strides made in the sport. James remarked, 'All that suffering and work put in decades ago got us to that point where we could all celebrate women's football.'

The Portrait’s Story

David James’s portrait of Gill includes references to her career milestones, such as the Copa 71 poster and a golden boot trophy. James aimed to capture Gill’s journey and legacy through his art, stating, 'You drive past a football pitch, pretty much at any time - there'll be girls playing on there. And I think that is a celebration of where Gill and her cohorts have taken the women's game.'

Reflections from Gill Sayell

Gill was 'blown away' by the portrait, appreciating the nods to her career. She reflected on her journey, saying, 'Throughout my journey in football, I've enjoyed every moment of it. Even if you've got knocked a little bit you just get up - well, I'm still doing this because I love doing it.'