Corinthians, Pioneers of Women's Football, Honored in Manchester

The trailblazing women's soccer team from the 1920s is finally getting recognition in their hometown.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:20am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the dynamic movements of a historic women's football match, with the players' forms deconstructed into sharp, overlapping geometric planes of color.A cubist interpretation of the pioneering Corinthians women's football team, whose trailblazing legacy is finally being celebrated in their hometown.Manchester Today

The Corinthians, a pioneering women's football club formed in Manchester, New Hampshire in the 1920s, are finally being honored and celebrated in their hometown after decades of obscurity. The team, which faced discrimination and backlash for playing the sport, is now being recognized for their role in establishing women's football.

Why it matters

The Corinthians were true trailblazers who paved the way for women's participation in football, despite facing immense societal opposition at the time. Their story highlights the long-overlooked history of the women's game and the barriers female athletes have had to overcome to gain acceptance and recognition.

The details

The Corinthians were formed in 1922 and quickly became one of the top women's football teams in the country, touring internationally and drawing large crowds. However, the team faced intense criticism and even bans from local authorities who saw the sport as inappropriate for women. Despite the obstacles, the Corinthians persisted, helping to establish women's football as a legitimate sport.

  • The Corinthians were formed in Manchester, New Hampshire in 1922.
  • The team toured internationally and drew large crowds throughout the 1920s.
  • For decades, the Corinthians' pioneering role in women's football went largely unrecognized in their hometown of Manchester.

The players

The Corinthians

A pioneering women's football club formed in Manchester, New Hampshire in the 1920s, who faced discrimination but helped establish the sport for women.

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What’s next

The city of Manchester is planning a special ceremony and exhibit to honor the legacy of the Corinthians later this year.

The takeaway

The long-overdue recognition of the Corinthians highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating the pioneering history of women's sports, which has often been overlooked or marginalized. Their story serves as an inspiration for the continued growth and acceptance of female athletes.