Julie Griffiths, a devoted Liverpool fan from a young age, accomplished her lifelong aspiration of representing the Reds after commencing her football journey with casual matches in the park alongside her brothers. Her unwavering ardour for both the sport and the club enabled her to surmount the obstacles that obstructed her from participating in football during her school years in the 1980s.
Griffiths’ involvement in women’s football commenced with Leasowe Pacific, which subsequently evolved into Everton Women. Her commitment to the sport ultimately led her to Knowsley United, where she encountered Sylvia Gore, a significant figure in England Women’s football.
Through perseverance and determination, Griffiths and her team succeeded in persuading Liverpool to form an alliance with Knowsley United, resulting in the establishment of Liverpool Ladies. This proved to be a pivotal moment for Griffiths and her fellow teammates, affording them the opportunity to play in first-rate stadiums and secure sponsorship, paving the way for them to become renowned football stars.
Despite encountering several challenges stemming from her petite stature, Griffiths became renowned for her speed and adaptability on the left flank. She fondly reminisces about the thrill of receiving three new pairs of leather boots at the commencement of each season, courtesy of a sponsorship deal with Mizuno, symbolising her affiliation with Liverpool.
Griffiths’ commitment to the Liverpool Women’s team impelled her to maintain a delicate equilibrium between her full-time vocation and her love for football. The sacrifices she and her teammates made, such as relinquishing their social lives for the sport, contributed to the integration of the women’s team into the fabric of Liverpool Football Club.
A pivotal moment in Griffiths’ career was when she captained Liverpool in a Merseyside derby at Anfield in 1997. She vividly recalls the pride and delight she experienced as she led the team onto the pitch under the floodlights, with her parents looking on from the stands.
However, Griffiths made a bittersweet transition to Everton and Chester, realising that her heart truly belonged to Liverpool. Her profound dedication to the sport, the club, and the pioneering era of women’s football still reverberates with her as she reflects on her extraordinary journey.
Even after retiring from professional football, Griffiths remains an enthusiastic Liverpool supporter. She takes great pride in the progression achieved by the current Liverpool Women’s team, acknowledging the significant advancements made in women’s football that were laid by her generation of players.
Julie Griffiths’ narrative epitomises the unwavering passion and determination that propelled her to shatter barriers in women’s football, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire the current generation of players.
As Griffiths reflects on her journey, she remains resolute in her pride for the Liverpool Women’s team, accentuating the invaluable contribution and foundation laid by her era of players.