‘The’ football team

[FawnFrenchieMum]

AIBU to ask the school why when they make social media posts about sporting results, they have ‘the football team’ or the girls football team’ (same for rugby etc). Shouldn’t it be the boys team / the girls team? Why is the boys team, automatically the team?

Because male is normative and people naturally assume it's the male team when you say football team. It's for major competitions as well.

But should it still be that way?

Of course it shouldn't OP. We shouldn't centre men and boys and marginalise women and girls. Girls are just as worthy and important.

In grassroots football where I am, teams are mixed or girls. Many of the mixed teams are boys only, but girls could join.

At grassroots yes. Secondary school I don’t believe they are mixed.

You're absolutely right OP, and actually I've noticed the bbc etc talking more about the "mens " football team more and more. I think this is something it would be very possible to craft a non shitty email suggesting that perhaps the school refers to the boys football team / the girls football team

This is good to hear that the tide is turning. Should definitely start in schools IMO.