Kicking Back: Belles Hit 50

Hayley Patterson marks Doncaster Rovers Belles approaching their 50th anniversary in 2019, a feat few UK women’s clubs can claim. She traces the honours: twelve of thirteen Notts League titles, two North East League championships, six FA Women’s Cups, two Premier Leagues, two League Cups and the 2018 WSL2 title, plus the BBC drama Playing the Field and Pete Davies’ book. The piece salutes Gill Coultard’s vision, Debbie Biggins’ shot-stopping, Vicky Exley’s energy, Kaz Walker’s centre-forward play and later stars Sue Smith, Millie Bright and Bethany England. It returns to 1969, when women selling Golden Goal tickets on the Belle Vue terraces formed the Belle Vue Belles and played in secret, washing their own kits. Sheila Edmunds, there throughout as player, president, laundry staff, physiotherapist and now general manager, reflects on belief and honesty.