As the screening started, we had a short introduction from Charlotte Robson, who told us that we should prepare to be filled with joy and pride, but also absolutely infuriated with society. She was right. COPA 71 is such a ride of intense emotions, starting off with a punch to the gut. It flicks to American footballer Brandi Chastain watching footage of the crowds from the 1971 World Cup, but her assumption that the packed stadium was for a men’s match gets flipped upside down. A modern footballer, a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winner, could not believe that a 110,000 people crowd could have gathered for women’s sport.
'It is a testament to how little footage existed and how hard it must've been to find the volume they had to produce the film with'
The film continues by introducing you to various players from the 1971 tournament, bringing you a heart-wrenching realisation when you are faced with a group of elderly footballers. These women were forced to hide their stories for fifty years, unable to celebrate during the prime of their youth and careers. In the film, many of them said that they hadn’t seen their fellow teammates in decades until this film was being produced, and commented on how disappointing the reception was when they arrived back at their countries. In particular, Geordie Carol Wilson was invited to St James’ Park not as a guest of honour, but as someone who was ultimately shamed and ridiculed by a roomful of men. There was a lot of incredible footage throughout the documentary, but admittedly some felt repetitive (not enough so that it was a detriment), another testament to how little footage existed and how hard it must have been to find even the volume they had to produce the film with.
'I'm so glad that the footballers are now being heard'
Despite all of the frustration that built within the audience, many of us left with smiles on our faces. A part of my love for sport is the atmosphere it creates, and being able to hear and feel how jubilant the footballers were to do what they loved amongst proper recognition of their talents, that was something that COPA 71 was able to impart onto its audiences. Rachel Ramsay and James Erskine did a beautiful job taking us on this roller coaster, making you feel the worst and best things about football in a short hour and a half. We had footage of all the games, from the group stage all the way to the finals, and there was enthusiasm for every single match. I cannot imagine what it was like for the footballers there, and I’m so glad that they are now being heard.
Tyneside Cinema also put on a panel discussion with incredible guests, with footballers and coaches being able to recount how they grew up in a largely man’s world. In particular, SAFC Head Coach Melanie Reay said, while she was happy that women’s football has grown exponentially and it is now gaining more visibility, she emphasised how much more important it was for grassroots football as that influence trickles down, and access gets easier over time. NUFC and SAFC Captains Amber-Keegan Stobbs and Brianna Westrup added their own childhoods into the mix, Stobbs telling us how her dad drove hours so she could go to practices, and Westrup detailing how her American-based experiences felt more open and supportive compared to English football when she moved here. It was a panel with laughter but also heartfelt discussion, and I highly encourage anyone with time to go watch the documentary.
5/5
