Dick, Kerr Ladies
1920-22
Dick, Kerr Ladies were the most iconic women's football team of the early 20th century. Formed during World War I in Preston, they rose to fame in the post-war years, drawing massive crowds — including 53,000 at Goodison Park on Boxing Day 1920. With trailblazing stars like Lily Parr and Alice Kell, they dazzled spectators with their skill and spirit. But in 1921, the FA banned women’s football from official grounds, abruptly halting their rise. From 1920 to 1922, Dick, Kerr Ladies weren’t just the best in the world — they were a movement. Their legacy changed the game forever.
Banned by the FA. Beloved by the people. Judged by the Index.
GI SCORE :
809.1
1920-22
PERIOD
Dynasty
LIFESPAN TYPE
England
COUNTRY
Exhibition Matches, Charity Games
COMPETITION(S)
STYLE OF PLAY
Unofficial world recognition, multiple charity wins
NOTABLE HONOURS
Alfred Frankland (organiser/coach)
NOTABLE MANAGER
Lily Parr, Alice Kell, Jennie Harris
NOTABLE PLAYERS
TROPHIES WON
0
WIN RATIO
90%
AVERAGE GOALS FOR
3.5
AVERAGE GOALS A
1
OVERALL GI SCORE:
809.1
“How Great Were the Dick, Kerr Ladies?”
Their story changed the game — but how do they score on the Greatness Index™?
GI FACTORS
125.4
132.9
129.5
80
Trophies/Titles
Win Rate/Dominance
Peak Performance
Star Power
73
Style of Play
72.5
Consistency/Era
97
Legacy/Influence
98.8
Cultural Impact
GI SCORING RATIONALE
Absolutely monumental. Pioneers of the women’s game.
Their legacy resonates a century later — in history books, documentaries, and global women’s football.
Undefeated in most seasons. Won the “world championship” against French sides.
Scored hundreds of goals.
Denied official competitions, but unmatched in what they did.
Shattered gender norms, drew record-breaking crowds, and sparked a movement — so powerful that the FA literally banned them. Goodison Park, 1920: 53,000 inside, thousands more locked out.
Lily Parr’s thunderbolt left foot.
The ban itself became an infamous moment of resistance.
The flair of Parr, the grit of Carr, the audacity of playing in corsets and bloomers while humiliating men’s sides.
They were magic — in more ways than one.