100 words:
Based on real life, Rose tells the funny, poignant and inspiring story of an underdog, working-class teenager from Ayrshire who refused to play by society’s sexist rules, and who overcame every possible obstacle to make her dream of being a professional footballer come true.
With women’s football banned in Scotland, 17-year-old Rose left her home and family to play first in France then Italy. She played for the Italian national side, helping them win the Mundialito Femminile (precursor to the Women’s World Cup) and was subsequently voted the best female footballer in the world.
200 words:
The play begins in 2019. Rose is at Hampden Park waiting to be presented with a Scotland cap for a match she played against England… 47 years earlier. The belated accolade prompts Rose to reflect on her extraordinary life and career.
During her childhood in Stewarton, she endured physical punishment, ridicule and expulsion from school, simply because she was a girl who wanted to play football. She refused to accept what she was repeatedly told: football isn’t a game for girls. However, with the women’s game banned in Scotland, the teenage Rose decided she had no option but to leave and pursue her dream in Europe.
Following a brief spell in Paris, Rose went on to enjoy a phenomenally successful 20-year professional career in Italy. She played for eight Italian teams, including AC Milan, Catania, Lecce and Trani, and was made captain of them all.
She won 8 Serie A league titles, 4 Cups, and two Golden Boots for top scorer and was voted best female footballer in the world. Her spirit, courage and determination in her fight simply to be a girl who plays football is a story which will inspire audiences of all ages.
One-liner headline/129 characters:
The incredible true story of the best Scottish footballer of all time - Rose Reilly.
