England cap for women’s football pioneer Maureen

Maureen Martin, a Christian from Norfolk, has had a successful football career, including winning the WFA Cup at Carrow Road, establishing the first women’s team in Norwich, and playing for England. She recently received her England cap as player number 48, marking a significant achievement in her football journey. Maureen grew up in Norwich in a large family and began playing football with her brothers since there was no football at school. She joined Costessey Ladies at 21 and went on to play for Lowestoft Ladies, the top team in East Anglia at the time, before setting up Norwich Ladies in 1981.

In addition to her football career, Maureen became a Christian over two decades ago. She initially struggled to balance her love for football and her newfound faith but eventually found a way to integrate the two aspects of her life. Maureen has been actively involved in her local church, Witard Road Baptist Church, and has served as the church treasurer. She also has a passion for crafting and has organized her football memorabilia and baptism photos into beautifully presented scrapbooks. Maureen’s faith journey began after the death of her mother in 2000, and she found comfort and support through counseling and connections with fellow Christians.

Maureen’s dedication to women’s football in Norwich was a significant achievement during a time when the sport was still emerging from a 50-year ban. She had to manage all aspects of the team, including securing sponsorship, coaching, and managing the side, while also working full-time as a company director. Despite suffering a serious injury in 1983 that ended her playing career, Maureen continued to lead the Norwich team to victory in the WFA Cup in 1986. Today, she looks back on her football career with pride and wonder about how women’s football has evolved since her playing days.

Throughout her life, Maureen has found joy and fulfillment in both her faith and her love for football. She has collected footballing memorabilia, including books on women’s football, and continues to be involved in her local church community. Maureen’s dedication to both her faith and her passion for football has shaped her life and allowed her to find purpose and meaning in various aspects of her journey. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and faith in overcoming challenges and achieving success in both the sporting world and personal life.