Episode Summary
Hosts
Graham Dunn, Jamie Rooney
Gail Newsham
Guest(s)
Release Date
15 June 2023
Duration
66 min
In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by author and historian Gail Newsham, the leading authority on the Dick, Kerr Ladies, to tell the extraordinary story of the most important women’s football team of all time.
As part of a special deep-dive episode, Gail shares the origins of the Dick, Kerr Ladies — a team formed by munitions workers at the Dick, Kerr & Co. factory in Preston during World War I. What began as wartime recreation quickly became a phenomenon. Playing in front of crowds that dwarfed men’s matches, the team’s 1920 Boxing Day game at Goodison Park drew 53,000 fans, with thousands more locked outside.
The conversation traces their global tours, record attendances, and the inspirational leadership of Lily Parr, football’s first female superstar. Yet, just as they were transforming public perception of women’s sport, the Football Association banned women from playing on affiliated pitches in 1921 — forcing the Dick, Kerr Ladies into exile and ending one of football’s brightest chapters.
Gail’s passion and knowledge bring the story to life — from the personalities that made the team great to the resilience that kept them playing against all odds. This is a celebration of pioneers who defied convention, carried a nation’s spirit, and proved that greatness isn’t bound by gender or circumstance.
Takeaways
Dick Kerr Ladies were formed during World War I to raise funds for wounded soldiers.
Their first match attracted 10,000 spectators, showcasing the popularity of women's football.
The team raised significant amounts for charity, equivalent to millions today.
Alfred Franklin played a crucial role in organizing and promoting the team.
The FA's ban on women's football in 1921 had a lasting negative impact on the sport.
The team played against various notable teams and had a remarkable winning record.
Gail Newsham's research has been pivotal in bringing the team's story to light.
The legacy of Dick Kerr Ladies continues to inspire modern women's football.
The team's achievements were often overshadowed by the lack of formal recognition and records.
The conversation highlights the importance of preserving and sharing the history of women's sports.
Dick, Kerr Ladies 1920–1922: Pioneers Against the Ban
In the early 1920s, when women’s football was drawing record-breaking crowds across Britain, no team shone brighter than the Dick, Kerr Ladies. Formed by munitions workers at a Preston factory during World War I, this group of ordinary women became extraordinary pioneers — raising funds for soldiers, filling stadiums, and changing perceptions of women in sport forever.
Led by captain Alice Kell and featuring the legendary Lily Parr, the team combined technical ability with a fearless attacking style. Their 1920 Boxing Day match at Goodison Park drew over 53,000 spectators, a figure that stood as a women’s football record for nearly a century. Their games were fast-paced, skilful, and full of joy — proving that football belonged to everyone.
But success brought scrutiny. In 1921, alarmed by the team’s popularity and influence, the Football Association banned women from playing on affiliated pitches, declaring the game “unsuitable for females.” The decision forced the Dick, Kerr Ladies into exile, yet they continued to play exhibition matches worldwide — from France to America — keeping the flame of women’s football alive through determination and defiance.
In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by Gail Newsham, author of In a League of Their Own, to tell the full story of the Dick, Kerr Ladies — their rise, their resistance, and their lasting legacy.
More than a football team, they were trailblazers who challenged gender barriers long before equality became a movement. Their courage laid the foundations for today’s global women’s game — and ensured that the name Dick, Kerr Ladies will forever stand as a symbol of pride, progress, and perseverance.
Main Topics
Iconic Moments
Origins of the Dick, Kerr Ladies during World War I
Wartime football and charity fundraising for soldiers
Record crowds and the 1920 Goodison Park match
Lily Parr: football’s first global female star
The 1921 FA ban on women’s football
The team’s legacy and cultural significance in sport
The 53,000 crowd at Goodison Park, Boxing Day 1920
FA ban on women’s football in December 1921
Tours to France and the United States
Lily Parr’s legendary goal-scoring record
Continuing to play in defiance of the ban
Notable Manager
Alfred Frankland (organiser/promoter)
Notable Players
Lily Parr, Alice Kell, Jenny Harris, Florrie Redford, Minnie Lyons, Edith Waine, Jessie Walmsley, Eva Worden, Lizzy Ashcroft
Style of Play
2-3-5 formation, attacking football, short passing, high pressing, positional interchange, teamwork and spirit
The Dick, Kerr Ladies played with flair, teamwork, and intelligence far ahead of their time. Their setup resembled a 2-3-5 formation, typical of the early 20th century, but their play was fluid and expressive. They built attacks through short, sharp passing combinations and positional interchange — characteristics that predated the tactical revolutions of men’s football by decades.
Led by captain Alice Kell and inspired by the prolific Lily Parr, the team combined physical strength with technical skill. Their matches were defined by high pressing, tireless running, and an instinct for entertainment. The Dick, Kerr Ladies valued attack over caution — their games were full of goals, movement, and emotion, captivating fans across Britain and abroad.
Playing without the infrastructure or resources of professional clubs, they relied on intuition and camaraderie. Their style reflected the values of their origins: hard work, solidarity, and the joy of the game. Against both societal prejudice and institutional bans, they refused to compromise their footballing principles.
In many ways, the Dick, Kerr Ladies embodied the purest form of football — bold, inclusive, and unrestrained. Their approach inspired generations to come and remains a cornerstone of the women’s game today.
Related Content
If you liked this one, you’ll love these classic episodes. Keep the nostalgia going — explore more from the By Far The Greatest Team Football Podcast archive.
