In 1991, two formidable women, Maureen Jacobson and Kim Nye, donned the white shirts and black shorts of New Zealand’s national women’s football team to compete in the inaugural Women’s World Cup. Jacobson, a former player for the Millwall Lionesses, had recently tasted FA Cup glory in England, while Nye, a former London bus driver, had immigrated to New Zealand a few years earlier.
The squad, led by head coach Dave Boardman, was the oldest in the 12-nation tournament and comprised a diverse group of professionals, including a teacher, a computer programmer, a secretary, and a gardener. Their participation in the tournament paved the way for future generations of female footballers in New Zealand.
Nye’s remarkable goal against hosts China made history as New Zealand’s first-ever goal in the Women’s World Cup. The moment was unforgettable for Nye, who still cherishes the memory of that game to this day. For us, it was like we’d won the World Cup, Nye, now 62 years old and living in Wellington, New Zealand, shared with BBC Sport.
For Jacobson, football had been a lifelong passion. Growing up, she played for the same boys’ club as her two older brothers, eventually catching the attention of national team scouts while representing her region. She fondly recalled her love for the game and had no idea about its global impact outside of New Zealand.
During her time playing for the national team, women’s football in New Zealand was operated on a shoestring budget by an amateur women’s association. They relied on hand-me-downs from men’s teams, and receiving a tracksuit was considered a stroke of luck. With limited resources, a small group of passionate individuals worked tirelessly to develop women’s football in the country.
Jacobson’s life took an exciting turn when she and her friend Pauline Sullivan moved to London in 1986 on working visas. Their decision led to a fateful encounter at Millwall one night, where both were recruited by the amateur club. Playing alongside future England manager Hope Powell and Nye, Jacobson seamlessly fit into the midfield.
Nye, who grew up in southwest London, discovered her passion for football playing alongside boys in her father’s cub scouts team. At the age of 17, she joined her first women’s team, Ashford Wanderers, and later became a member of the Millwall Lionesses. However, when Sullivan returned to New Zealand in 1988, Nye made the life-changing decision to join her. At the time, she was working as a double-decker bus driver in Catford. Nye initially believed it was just a year-long adventure, but after arriving in New Zealand, she quickly fell in love with the country and decided to stay.
The two former Lionesses, Jacobson and Nye, arrived in China together in November 1991, overcoming injuries to represent New Zealand in the Women’s World Cup. Their presence marked a major milestone for women’s football. Nye, 30 years old at the time, was awestruck by the experience, and being part of the tournament felt like being in another world. The players stayed in a luxurious five-star hotel and attended an extravagant opening ceremony. Some of them even had the opportunity to meet the legendary Pele, who was a guest at the tournament.
Despite the excitement and star treatment, the New Zealand team was considered underdogs on the world stage. The women’s association received government funding for the first time, providing support for nutrition and training camps. However, compared to other teams with more extensive resources and staff, New Zealand had minimal resources.
In their first match, New Zealand faced Denmark, a recent European semi-finalist. They fought valiantly but succumbed to three first-half goals. In their next game, they encountered Norway, who would eventually become the tournament’s runners-up. Unfortunately, Julia Campbell from New Zealand scored the first own goal of the competition in a 4-0 loss. However, Nye redeemed the team when she scored New Zealand’s first-ever Women’s World Cup goal in the final group game. Although it was a consolation goal, it was cause for celebration, and Jacobson and her teammates rushed to congratulate Nye on her achievement.
Since their pioneering journey, it took another 16 years for New Zealand to qualify for the Women’s World Cup again. To this day, they remain winless on the world stage. However, the 2023 tournament holds promise for the Kiwi players, as New Zealand will co-host the event. Jacobson and Nye stay in touch through Facebook and hope that the tournament will generate more recognition and support for women’s football in their country. They believe that witnessing the skill and quality of the women’s game will change people’s perspectives and increase interest in the sport.
As the countdown to the 2023 Women’s World Cup continues, the legacies of Maureen Jacobson and Kim Nye serve as an inspiration for future generations of female footballers in New Zealand. Their journey from London bus driver and accountant to trailblazers on the international stage exemplifies the determination and passion that drives women’s football forward. The story of these women pioneers reminds us of the importance of providing equal opportunities and recognition to female athletes worldwide.
