Abstract

Little is currently known about the importance and complexity of sibling relationships that play out in the lives of girls and women footballers. This chapter addresses this by examining the experiences of football playing sisters in a sport that is male-dominated at every intersection; be that participation, coaching, governance, officiating or media representation. How then do footballing sisters negotiate their own participation and engagement within this sporting male fortress? This chapter utilises empirical data taken from a season-long critical ethnographic exploration into girls’ and women’s football experiences. Intricate sibling relationships are critically analysed in connection to bonding, inspiration, rivalry and support. In particular the relationship between player and brother is highlighted as being significant. Brothers acted as ‘support-facilitators’ for their sister’s participation in a form of everyday activism; carving out new solutions and cultural possibilities for girls and women players. A ‘gender justice’ lens is used to curate the chapter, pulling together areas of social injustice as well as opportunities for advancement and change in sport instigated by the complex family milieu.