Emma Clarke was Britain’s first known black female footballer, playing in the 1890s.
She broke racial and gender barriers by playing football during a time when both were highly unusual for women, especially women of colour.
Clarke was part of the All-Star XI, a team formed of players from different clubs, and played matches in front of large crowds. Despite the societal norms of the time that discouraged women from participating in competitive sports, Clarke’s contributions to the sport have since been recognised, though her legacy remained largely uncelebrated for many years.
Her story highlights both the challenges and trailblazing spirit of women in football during the late 19th Century.