ECFC | Women and Football | A Chronology

1895:

The first recorded women's football match is held in Crouch End, London. North beat South 7-1

The forerunners of women's football, Dick Kerr's Ladies (DKL) are formed in Preston.

1895:

The first recorded game of women's football held in Exeter, when 'North v South' plays at the County Ground on Monday 13 May.

1889:

Based on the success of the Exeter women's cricket club, there is talk of a women's football team being put together for the winter.

The Devon and Exeter Daily Gazette (September 30) states that 'the scheme is unlikely to amount to much. Athletics for girls, within due limits, are very well, but football is emphatically not a lady's game, and I think that the modern young lady, even if the matches we played under association rules, would shrink from taking part in the sport'.

1912:

"I have often had reason to congratulate the City Club on the loyalty of their lady supporters" (Rover, Football Express)

'Rover' also recalls one regular female fan who when asked on her arrival at the match to subscribe to an appeal fund tossed her head and said, "This rotten club is always begging".

1914

The wives of Club Directors, Parkhouse and Middleweek, join the touring party to South America.

1914-1918:

Interest and participation in women's football grows due to the First World War.

In 1917 crowds exceed 10,000 for the first time in the North West of England.

1920:

When City joined the League in 1920 Lady's tickets were cheaper than men's. A season ticket for the Stand cost £2 5s but only £2 for women!

In Liverpool, 53,000 people pack into Everton's Goodison Park to see Dick Kerr Ladies v St Helens Ladies.

1920-1921:

The popularity of women's football grows in the region, with sides from Exmouth, Silverton, Sidmouth, and Topsham, all playing games at the County Ground under Association rules.

1921:

In December the Football Association bans women's football at its members stadiums on the grounds of the game being unsuitable for women.

1922:

The County Ground continues to host women's football, including an international match between French Ladies' (the pick of France) and British Ladies Team' (Mrs J. E. Boultwoods International XI

Former City goalkeeper, Dick Pym, shows his support for women's football at the Topsham Fete.

1931:

Women's football played for the first time in Crediton.

Women's football features at carnivals across the area, including in St Thomas and at Topsham... This continues up until the outbreak of WWII in 1939

1935:

The Exeter City Supporters Club raises money through Ladies football matches.

1964:

ECFC employ Patricia Smith as their first female company secretary.

1969:

The Women's FA is formed with 44 member clubs.

1970:

"It has been quite noticeable that female support at St James Park has grown considerably during recent seasons, so if any of you young or elder ladies would like to help us, help City, we would be delighted to welcome you on the committee" (ECFC Supporters Club Handbook).

1971:

The FA ban on women's football is lifted after a 50-year period.

1972

The first official women's international in Britain is played at Greenock. England beat Scotland 3-2.

1974

A group of Exeter City supporters formed what was to become Exeter Ladies Football Club

1975:

The Sex Discrimination Act of 1975 makes it easier for women to train to become professional referees.

In Devon and Exeter

The Devon County Women's League started it’s first competitive season with six teams. They were: Exeter City, West-Exe, Lympstone, Nat.West Bank, Torbay, and Tiverton. Although strictly a women's league it was, perhaps not, strange to note that only two women, Trina Lake and Sandra Battishill held places on the executive committee.

Trina, who played for Tiverton, at that time, later to play for Exeter was the League's fixtures secretary and Sandra who was a secretary of Nat. West Bank SF.C. was  the League's financial controller. The other positions were held by men.

Tiverton Town shared the men's pitch, as did Westexe, with the Westexe men's club; Lympstone made their home at Budleigh Salterton, while Torbay played at Brixham. Exeter City, used the Wyvern Barrack’s ground in Topsham Road where they played Sunday afternoon games. The Nat West Bank played at Duckes Meadow. Salmon Pool Lane.

It was hoped that following season a few more teams would join the league, as Polperro and Chard have shown an interest.

Exeter were Devon League Champions in 1976/77 and the following season Runner's up in 1977/78.

They were Dean Trophy Winners in 1975/76, 1976/77 and 1977/78 and were also Salvidge Youth Cup Winners in 1977/78. 

In 1977/78 and 1980/81, Exeter reached the final of the Pat Sowden Trophy, but lost both finals. 

1983:

The FA invites The WFA to affiliate on the same basis as County Football Associations.

1991:

The WFA launches a national league, which kicks-off with 24 clubs.

1993:

The FA establishes a Women's Football Committee and the post of Women's Football Co-ordinator.

The WFA National Cup competition is brought under the control of The FA and becomes The Women's FA Challenge Cup. 137 teams enter.

1994:

The FA takes on the administration of the Women's National League and League Cup competition. The league becomes The FA Women's Premier League (FAWPL).

1997:

ECFC Ladies reformed as the 'Elmore Eagles LFC'. In the same year The FA outlines its plans to develop the women's game from grassroots to elite level.

1998:

Treble Winners!!! The Eagles win the South West Women's Third Division, The Devon Cup, and the Pat Sowden Cup.

This year, the first 20 Centre's of Excellence for girls are established. Sponsors are gained to both the League and Cup competitions.

1999:

Devon Cup Winners.

2000:

South West Women's Football League, Premier Division Runners Up.

2001:

Elmore Eagles become Exeter City Ladies FC Promotion to the South West Combination Women's League follows the same season.

2002:

Pat Sowden Cup Winners.

South West Women's Football League, Premier Division Champions.

The FA announces that football has become the top participation sport for girls and women in the England three years ahead of schedule.

2003:

Frances Farley becomes the first female director in the clubs history.

2006:

Denise Watts becomes the first female chair of Exeter City.

And the rest is history…