DICK KERR'S LADIES FOOTBALL TEAM

Reference; FA web site, US soccer site.

During the first world war some ladies of Dick, Kerr Ltd, Strand Road, Preston came up with the idea of starting a football team. This team became surprisingly good. In 1920 they played the first female international football game, winning 2-0 against a French side, watched by 25,000. In that year they beat their closest rivals 4-0 in front of 53,000 at Goodison Park, Liverpool. In 1921 it was deemed inappropriate for females to play football on league grounds, some people say because it was becoming too popular. The team played on and toured Canada and the USA in 1922 playing against mens teams and beating them. The team lasted 48 years.

Further reading;

The Dick Kerr's Ladies by Barbara Jacobs

In a League of their own by Gail J Newsham.

Lily Parr, a former player, talks on the BBC