AI Revives Female Football Trailblazer and UK Citizens Unaware of Historic Ban
In a move that aims to shed light on forgotten talent and motivate the next generation of female footballers, a pioneering figure in women’s football history is being brought back to life through advanced AI technology. Three UK has used artificial intelligence to resurrect Lily Parr, a prolific scorer who netted more goals in her career than the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo. This initiative comes as new research has revealed that over half of Brits are unaware of the 50-year ban imposed on women in football by the English FA.
Despite the recent excitement following the Lionesses’ triumph in the 2022 Euros final, a staggering 52% of the nation remains oblivious to the restriction that prohibited women from playing football for half a century. Additionally, 44% of the population struggles to name a single female footballer. Nevertheless, a study highlighted that 63% of respondents believe the Lionesses have a better shot at winning the World Cup compared to the men’s national team.
Lily Parr’s remarkable journey saw her working at a Munitions Factory in Lancashire during World War I before becoming a standout player for her firm’s women’s football team. After the English Football Association enforced a ban on women’s participation in the sport in 1921, Parr, who passed away in 1978 at the age of 73, continued her career in America. The ban was only lifted after five decades, marking a significant milestone in the history of women’s football.
Partnering with Chelsea FC Women, Three has conducted extensive research on the impact of the ban, now referred to as ‘The Play Gap.’ Lily Parr has been digitally resurrected to engage in a thought-provoking dialogue with modern-day football trailblazer Karen Carney. By leveraging AI technology and insights from women’s football historian Jean Williams, Three has brought Parr’s story back to life, providing a platform to recognise her contributions to the sport.
The survey of 2,000 British adults highlighted disparities in the media coverage and recognition of women footballers. A significant majority, almost 69% of fans, believe that women’s footballers receive less visibility in the media, while 65% feel they are not promoted as role models to the same extent as male players. The financial repercussions of the ban are also substantial, with an estimated annual loss of £37.5 million to the British economy.
Looking towards the future, the ‘Play Gap’ report projects a considerable growth trajectory for the Women’s Super League (WSL), estimating its value at £85.7 million for the 2024-2025 season. However, if women’s football had not faced the ban, the league’s value could have soared to £123.2 million—underscoring the missed opportunities and economic impact of the historical ban.
As part of Three’s #WeSeeYou Network, the recreation of Lily Parr serves as a tribute to her enduring legacy and a call to action for supporting and empowering women in sports. This innovative project merges cutting-edge AI technologies with historical data and expert insights to honour Parr’s achievements and inspire future generations of female athletes.
Through collaborative efforts with talented actors, advanced facial recognition technology, and 3D mapping, Three has successfully brought Lily Parr back to the forefront of the football narrative, allowing her story to resonate with audiences today. The emotional interview between Parr and Karen Carney encapsulates the spirit of resilience, determination, and empowerment that define women’s football history.
To witness Lily Parr’s captivating story and the intersection of past and present in women’s football, viewers can access the interview on Three UK’s YouTube channel. In addition to the digital reimagining of Lily Parr, the #WeSeeYou Network exemplifies Three’s commitment to inclusivity, equality, and recognition of women in sports. As Lily Parr’s story resurfaces and transcends time, it stands as a testament to the enduring impact of trailblazers in women’s football and the ongoing quest for equity and representation in sports.