"Lily and the Rockets": An Inspiring Tale Unveiling the Origins of Women’s Football Amidst the tragedy of the First World War

25 Sep

Introducing "Lily and the Rockets": An Inspiring Tale Unveiling the Origins of Women’s Football Amidst the tragedy of the First World War

Free Turn Entertainment today announced its latest feature film, "Lily and the Rockets," scheduled for production in 2024. The movie delves into the incredible origins of women's football during the Great War.

Inspired by the acclaimed book "Lily and the Rockets" by Rebecca Stevens, published by Chicken House in 2019, the feature film unfolds against the backdrop of the First World War, following the extraordinary journey of 18-year old Lily, a courageous young woman who dares to challenge the prevailing gender norms of her time. Driven by her passion for football and her incredible skills as a goalkeeper, Lily seizes the opportunity to join a group of spirited women forming a football team at the local munitions factory where they work. Their journey is a heartening tale of battling prejudice, societal barriers, sexism and scepticism to create a legacy that would transform the story of women's football.

Author, Rebecca Stevens “When I was a little girl I thought it was unfair that there were things boys got to do that we didn’t. Things that sounded fun like metalwork, woodwork - and football. But, our PE teacher said football wasn’t for girls, it was too physical, we could get hurt. We knew that wasn’t true, knew that girls had always kicked balls in the park with everyone else. But, we didn’t know about the girls and women in the early years of the twentieth century who, when their dads and brothers went off to fight in WW1, took over not just their jobs in the factories, but their places on the football fields. I only heard about them myself a few years ago, and as soon as I did, I wanted to tell their story. It wasn’t just the football that fascinated me. At a time when most working class girls left school to face a future of unpaid domestic toil or life as a live-in servant, these young women were re-inventing themselves - as workers, as equals to their dads and brothers, as activists. And as footballers. So Lily and her team, the Rockets, became reality, first as a novel and now, much to my delight it is set to reach even more people as a film. I could not be more thrilled!”

BAFTA winning director (and ex professional footballer) Farren Blackburn has written the script and will direct the project. Rebecca Stevens will be a creative consultant.

Gemma Batterby, Managing Director of Free Turn Entertainment: "Lily celebrates the strength, resilience, and determination of those who defied conventions to progress the women’s game, not just on the pitch but off it, too. We are proud to support this project and its talented director, Farren Blackburn, to bring Lily’s story to life. Farren’s work consistently depicts female-led stories and heroes strong female characters. As an ex–professional footballer himself, his personal connection allows him to authentically capture the challenges, triumphs, and camaraderie experienced by those who play the beautiful game.”

Farren Blackburn: "This film is a tribute to the unsung heroines who not only faced the hardships of war but also fought for their right to play the sport they loved. I am honoured to be a part of this project, shedding light on a pivotal moment in women's sporting history and demonstrating the strength of female unity and determination. I’ve always wanted to make a football film and the story of Lily grabbed me from the minute I heard about it."

Produced by Free Turn Entertainment, "Lily and The Rockets'' promises to transport viewers to a poignant era, capturing the essence of camaraderie and resilience amidst incredible adversity. As women's football continues to rise in prominence today, and England’s Lionesses storm to the World Cup Final, Lily serves as a reminder of the pioneers who bravely took their first steps onto the pitch, paving the way for future generations of female athletes who themselves continue to break down barriers.