Established in 1949, Manchester Corinthians Ladies Football Club defied the FA’s ban on women’s football and inspired women worldwide. Watch this wonderful film and join us at Central Library for a special event to celebrate their legacy.
Commonly associated with United and City, Manchester also has a proud history of women’s football, with prominent games being played in the region since the 1800s. Fast forward to 1949 and the Manchester Corinthians were born, a women’s football team established by Percy Ashley. Comprised of local players who trained in Fog Lane Park, Didsbury, the team was essential in revitalising women’s football after the FA banned women from training and playing on FA-affiliated grounds and pitches in 1921. Undeterred by the ban, the Manchester Corinthians toured the globe and won trophies in Europe and South America, paving the way for England’s Lionesses and inspiring women worldwide.
To find out more about the incredible story of the Manchester Corinthians, watch this wonderful video produced by Imprint Films with support from Dr Gary James, Manchester Football Historian and author of Manchester Corinthians: The Authorised History. The video includes interviews with former players Linda Hallam, Carol Aikin, Gill Holland, Gail Robertson, Jackie Barlow and Wayne Murray (son and nephew to former Corinthians Shirley and Elaine Orange). With incredible testimonies and photographs, this short film is bound to get you excited about our special event dedicated to the Manchester Corinthians, which will take place at Manchester Central Library on 5 March at 5.30pm. Programme to be announced soon! Keep following our blog to stay up-to-date.
