The standard of women's play is ...

[Fox Talbot]

... what, compared to men?

With the Women's World Cup coming what do you reckon is the highest level of men's football that the England World Cup women's team would beat in a one-off match?

1. Reading FC
2. Oxford United
3. RFC Academy
4. Reading Town
5. West Reading
6. Reading School 1st XI

Adult females are not allowed to play adult males at football so we'll never know but have a guess. Mine's Reading T.

[Svlad Cjelli]

I'd say RFC Academy = there's still plenty of skill, but the games are much slower and there's much less strength and physicality. So I'd pitch it at the same level as skilled teenagers.

[Seal]

No the academy boys would still win.

Having watched women's football a few times, a significant number can't actually kick the ball half the length of the pitch off the ground, that is a basis strength issue which will always hold them back before we even get onto the speed. Technical ability is not bad. Keepers tend to be pretty poor.

Even at 16 most academy kids would be able to strike the ball further than the women.

I think the list below is flawed, as for example Reading Town would probably beat the RFC academy - there are some quality semi pro players who never made it, and most of the academy lads will end up semi pro anyway.

I would suggest that any semi pro men's team would beat them, and they'd be just below that level. You would hope they would beat a decent Saturday league side, although again I think it would be relatively close. So on that list West Reading (maybe).

[Toon Toon Blue army]

I think the goalkeeping problem is the biggest drawback. Female keepers are terrible.

[Wax Jacket]

most women at the top end tend to be able to trap it and pass it in a straight line unlike way too many male pros. it's not really fair to compare but I bet where the women win is in things like professionalism, not being an uttercunt, and having at least half a brain. also, the inability to hoof it out of play 60 yards away is a plus point surely?

but in general, 'greed re the keepers. problem is that volleyball, basketball, handball are just as popular on the continent if not more so, so why would a 6ft2 woman who can catch bother with football?

[Maguire]

I'd have to question RFC Academy beating Reading Town - boys against men, that one.

[Silver Fox]

woman who can catch

a what now?

[roadrunner]

woman who can catch

a what now?

[handbags_harris]

I remember a few years ago England Women played a friendly against the England "C" team (semi-pro) and got absolutely tonked something like 8-0...

[Barry the bird boggler]

I seem to recall a game at Elm Park, Reading Royals Ladies v "Academy kids". The Ladies were thrashed.

[bassavage]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ienZj9onV0Q

[Red]

I seem to recall a game at Elm Park, Reading Royals Ladies v "Academy kids". The Ladies were thrashed.

I remember that too. And a lot of wolf whistling and cries of "Get yer tits out love" from the south bank.

I don't think that experiment will be repeated any time soon.

[Fox Talbot]

I'd have to question RFC Academy beating Reading Town - boys against men, that one.

Fair enough - I've never seen either. I just assumed a well-drilled unit of full-time soccer scholars at a serious Lge club would beat lowly non-leaguers. I do watch a bit of Ryman Lge South and that seems pretty basic.

[Svlad Cjelli]

Depends on the game. It might well be the classic physicality v individual skill - Bolton v Arsenal stylee.

And especially with the kids they may not have the tactical experience to cope with it.

[Big Ern]

The SPL....although thats probably being a little unfair to women.

[Compo's Hat]

If you don't get hold of any Olympic tickets then i guarantee you'll get Women's football.

[leww_rfc]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ienZj9onV0Q

Keys is a total t*ssp*t, no respect for anyone whatsoever!

[Elmer Park]

I'd have to question RFC Academy beating Reading Town - boys against men, that one.

Fair enough - I've never seen either. I just assumed a well-drilled unit of full-time soccer scholars at a serious Lge club would beat lowly non-leaguers. I do watch a bit of Ryman Lge South and that seems pretty basic.

I have been to quite a few friendlies where young Reading XIs have played better non league sides than Reading Town and our lads have won comfortably so I would back our Academy lads against Reading Town.

I've seen the England ladies team on TV several times and I think their standard has improved a bit. The new professional set up in this Country should improve them a bit more. Always seem just not quite good enough in major tournaments but hey that is true at all levels of the men's game too. Hope they do well in the forthcoming World Cup.

[Fox Talbot]

Thanks for your support Elmer - but what's your guess on the women v men front? Who would the women beat from that list?

[Elmer Park]

I actually think they would be pretty competitive against Reading Town. Still haven't quite answered your question Fox but I may finally do that after the World Cup if I get to see any of their matches.