Defending Identity: Girls in Football Challenge Stereotypes
In a recent under-12 girls’ football match, players from York Railway Institute (YRI) AFC faced accusations from the opposing team’s coach and parents, alleging that some of their short-haired players were boys. This incident led to the match being halted and left the YRI team distressed.
Two 11-year-old players, Flo Topham and Camille Porhel, who both sport short hairstyles, expressed their frustration and sadness over the situation. Flo mentioned feeling “angry and sad” when mistaken for a boy, which has caused her anxiety about attending future matches. Camille added that such comments make the football experience unpleasant and questioned why, in the 21st century, people still make remarks about girls with short hair.
In response, the team launched the “Girls can have short hair. Get Over It” campaign to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity in sports. They now wear T-shirts bearing this slogan during pre-match warm-ups to raise awareness and support other girls who might face similar discrimination.
Camille’s mother, Aimée Little, emphasized the importance of addressing this issue, stating that it’s “pretty crazy” to still be discussing such stereotypes in 2025. She highlighted the courage of the girls in continuing to play despite the anxiety caused by the incident.