Top 5 books on British women in sport, chosen by Suzanne Wrack

Eat, Sweat, Play: How Sport Can Change Our Lives by Anna Kessel

If there is a book on women and sport that should be on the national curriculum, this is it. A deep dive on the relationship between women, their bodies and sport. 

How (Not) to be Strong by Alex Scott

Alex Scott’s breakthrough from Arsenal and England legend into the mainstream sits against a backdrop of the tumultuous journey to get there. 

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Goal by Lydia Williams, illustrated by Lucinda Gifford

There are few better ways to get your under-10s ready for the Women’s World Cup, being held in Australia and New Zealand this summer, than Indigenous Australian goalkeeper (and Brighton & Hove Albion player) Williams’s book about a young footballer’s journey from the outback to the big city. 

‘Unsuitable for Females’: the Rise of the Lionesses and Women’s Football in England by Carrie Dunn

One of a number of books released around the Lionesses’ historic Euro 2022 triumph. Written by the forensic and well-connected sport journalist Dunn, a new edition updated to include England’s first ever major trophy win is imminent. 

Beryl: In Search of Britain’s Greatest Athlete by Jeremy Wilson

The beautifully told story of one of the most decorated British athletes in history, Beryl Burton, who set a women’s record for the 12-hour time trial, which was the better of the men’s record for two years. 

A Woman’s Game by Suzanne Wrack is out now (Guardian Faber, £9.99). You can buy these titles from The Big Issue shop on Bookshop.org, which helps to support The Big Issue and independent bookshops.

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