Grace Sibbert was the inspiration behind the Dick, Kerr factory starting a ladies football team. She was responsible for getting the girls together to play a challenge match with the apprentices in October 1917. It wasn't long after this that an official team was formed, but sadly Grace was unable to take any further part due to ill health. She remained a great supporter of the team during their early years and was always well respected by the girls.
FIRST MATCH PLAYERS
First match players
First match players
Florrie Rance also took part in the challenge match with the lads at the factory and was selected to play in the first official team at Deepdale, the home of Preston North End, on Christmas Day 1917. She scored two goals in the match, one in each half, helping her side to a comfortable 4-0 victory. At around 5'8", her height made her a great asset up front and she played for the team throughout most of 1918.
Elizabeth Berkins was another local girl who took part in the match against the lads at the factory and also went on to play in the official team at Deepdale. She scored the second goal of the match in the first half. She was a regular player with the team in the early days and continued playing until 1919.
Alice Kell was an ideal choice as the first captain of the Dick, Kerr Ladies. She was a great figure head for the team and an extremely good leader. Rated as one of the best defenders in women's football, she was always in the thick of the action and regularly singled out in the press for her confident style of play. A versatile and reliable player who was frequently on the scoresheet when called upon to play up front. She was a hugely popular lady and very well respected throughout her many successful years associated with the team. She was the first player to be given the honour of becoming an honorary life member of the club. Her contribution to the Dick, Kerr Ladies should never be underestimated, she is certainly one of the all time greats and deserves every honour possible.
Florrie Redford was one of the best strikers in the women's game, ever. She played in the first match a Deepdale in 1917 and was always one of the first names on the team sheet at every match. A naturally gifted player, she could kick with either foot and had tremendous power. She regularly caught the attention of match reporters and was often highly praised in the press. Along with Alice Kell, it would be impossible to put a value on their talent today. She would be on the wanted list of many a shrewd manager during the transfer window, if they could afford her that is! In 1921 Florrie scored an incredible total of 170 goals throughout the year, leaving everyone else in her wake. If she had continued playing for as many years as some other players in the team, I am sure her record would be second to none. She had a great goal scoring partnership with Jennie Harris and the two girls were undoubtedly the leading strike force in women's football.
Miss E Clayton was another of the girls who worked at the factory and played against the lads in the challenge match in 1917. She played in goal during the first match at Preston North End and continued with the team well into 1920 and could always be relied upon as the last line of defence.
Lily Jones played in the first match at Preston North End in 1917 and was a regular and valuable player for the team. She played during the first French visit in 1920 and finally hung up her boots after returning from the reciprocal tour to France later that year.
Alice Standing is another lady who took part in the challenge match with the lads and went on to play in the first game at Preston North End on Christmas Day 1917. A local girl, she continued playing for the team until the end of 1918.
Miss G Whittle played in the first match at Deepdale and scored the first goal in within five minutes of the kick off. This may have been her only appearance for the Dick, Kerr Ladies.
Bella Traynor is another player who took part in the challenge match with the lads and went on to play in the first match at Deepdale. She was an ever present member of the team until just after the armistice in November 1918.
Alfred Frankland became the mentor and manager of the Dick, Kerr Ladies from the very beginning in 1917. He was too old to enlist as a soldier in the War and was employed at the factory as a clerk. He was possibly a member of the sports club which may explain his involvement with the team. He had very good organisational skills and a natural flair for marketing, but he did receive a great deal of support from the management at the Dick, Kerr factory for the ladies team. He held the positon of manager at the club for the remainder of his life. He died in 1957.