This Kapow pupil video is part of the Kapow History scheme of work. It explores the stories of Lily Parr and Betty Snowball, two pioneering women in sport during the 1900s. Lily Parr was a talented footballer who began playing for the famous Dick, Kerr Ladies team before she was 16. She scored around 1,000 goals in her career and played matches in front of huge crowds, raising money for charity. Despite women being banned from playing football on official pitches in 1921, Lily and her teammates continued playing and even toured the United States.

Betty Snowball was another incredible sportswoman. Born in 1908, she played cricket for England and also represented Scotland in squash and lacrosse. She played in the first women’s cricket test match and once scored 189 runs in a single game, a record that lasted 50 years. After retiring, she became a teacher. Both Lily and Betty helped break barriers for women in sport, showing determination, talent and resilience, and inspiring future generations of female athletes.

The video is designed to be shown to pupils as part of History, Upper key stage 2, Year 6, Transition unit, Unheard histories: Who should go on the £10 banknote? Lesson 5: Why are Lily Parr and Betty Snowball historically significant?