Womens football got underway in this country as a direct result of the 1966 World Cup Competition, when women all over the country decided it was time to break into this male dominated sport. Nearly 10 years later in 1974, a group of Exeter City supporters formed what was to become Exeter Ladies Football Club

In the 1975-76 season the club entered the Dean Developement Trophy, a local competition for Devon Womens Football Clubs. It was to be the start of an era for ladies football in Devon, Exeter won the competition and along with other clubs who took part, formed the Devon Womens Football League which finally got under way in September 1976.


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. 

In 5 a-side Exeter won the Heavitree 5's in 1980, having won the Dawlish 5's in 1979. They reached the final of the Pelynt 5's in 1980 and the Heavitree 5's in 1981. In 1982 they were finalists in the Crewe and Western League 5's.

And in May 2nd 1978 England beat Eire at St James Park 6-1, with goals from Lopez 2, Foreman 2, Day and Dobb.
A sliver tankard commemorating the Women's friendly International game between England and Eire held at St James Park. 

In modern times, the England Women's team was first governed by The Women's Football Association which was formed in 1969 following an upsurge in interest in the sport after 1966, and since 1993 by The Football Association.

Exeter won the league in 1975/76.
They were Dean Trophy Winners in 1975/76.

League Results

Cup Results