Tue Jul 01 01:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The text is a review of the book “Wir waren Heldinnen” (We Were Heroines) by Torsten Körner, which documents the arduous journey of women’s football in Germany. The book highlights the struggles faced by female players, including the official ban by the German Football Association (DFB) from 1955 to 1970, and the societal obstacles they overcame. Through biographical accounts of key figures like Christa Kleinhans, Bärbel Wohlleben, and Anne Trabant-Haarbach, the book showcases the determination and resilience of these women who paved the way for the acceptance and success of women’s football in Germany. The review highly recommends the book for its in-depth research and portrayal of these pioneering athletes.
**News Article:**
**Book Chronicles the Historic Fight for Women’s Football in Germany**
**Hamburg, Germany** – With the UEFA Women’s Euro 2024 kicking off soon in Switzerland, a new book sheds light on the long and difficult road to acceptance for women’s football in Germany. “Wir waren Heldinnen” (We Were Heroines) by Torsten Körner, published by Kiepenheuer & Witsch, tells the stories of the women who defied a decades-long ban and societal prejudice to play the sport they loved.
From 1955 to 1970, the DFB (German Football Association) officially forbade women from playing football in affiliated clubs, threatening severe penalties for those who disobeyed. Despite this, determined women across the country fought for their right to play, often facing ridicule, lack of resources, and even police intervention.
The book highlights the contributions of key figures such as Christa Kleinhans, an early national team player, Bärbel Wohlleben, who gained special permission to play with boys, and Anne Trabant-Haarbach, a champion player and coach who captained the first official German women’s national team in 1982. These women not only challenged the DFB but also the deeply ingrained patriarchal structures of post-war Germany.
“Wir waren Heldinnen” captures the spirit of these pioneers, whose struggles ultimately led to the recognition and growth of women’s football in Germany. The book reveals stories of perseverance and reminds us how far the sport has come. It’s a powerful tribute to the women who laid the foundation for today’s athletes.
The book is available for purchase now.
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