Making Positive Steps (2006-2010 retrospective)

The third era section of the retrospective, covering 2006 to 2010, described as a happy spell of positive steps as talent from the FA’s Talent Development Plan broke through and players won part-time funding and chances to turn professional in America. The year pages log Karen Walker’s retirement after an eleventh FA Cup final, England qualifying for their first World Cup in twelve years, Marta’s first of five world player awards, the record 24,529 crowd at Nottingham Forest, Charlton cutting their funding weeks after a cup final with reactions from Danielle Murphy and Casey Stoney, Everton ending ten trophyless years, the Euro 2009 final in Helsinki, Vic Akers’ retirement after 22 seasons, and the FA WSL’s deferral to 2011 amid fears of another broken promise.