A remarkable discovery has been made of a film capturing a women’s football match dating back to 1917, marking the earliest known footage of a female football game. Historian Steve Bolton, after extensive research, identified the match played on September 1, 1917, during World War One. The footage, spanning 29 seconds, holds significant historical value, shedding light on the Sterling Ladies FC, considered media sensations of their era and predecessors to the present England Lionesses team. Bolton’s efforts aim to restore recognition to the Sterling Ladies, dubbed the ‘Invincibles,’ and their pivotal role in history.
Bolton emphasized the historical importance of the discovery, confirming the identities of the teams, the match date, score, and venue. The Sterling Ladies emerged as pioneering female sports figures, predating the Lionesses by a century, yet have been overlooked by history. Bolton stressed the need to acknowledge their contributions to both wartime endeavors and the nation’s sporting legacy, portraying the Sterling Ladies as a shining but forgotten beacon of women’s football history.
Further investigations by Bolton unveiled footage of four matches featuring the Sterling Ladies, a team hailing from Dagenham, east London. The initial game, where the Sterling Ladies triumphed over Burton Vowles 6-1, took place at the “Gordon Fields of Ilford FC.” Subsequent matches showcased the team’s prowess, including a draw and commanding wins over other opponents. Bolton’s research also hinted at the possibility of undiscovered footage, potentially hidden in unexplored archives.
The filmed matches not only showcased the athletic prowess of the Sterling Ladies but also served a noble cause by raising funds for the Cowlin Memorial Fund, honoring a local hero from the Somme. These matches were part of larger community events, featuring various entertainment acts and distinguished guests, underlining the significance of women’s football during World War One. Bolton’s findings shed light on a forgotten chapter of sports history, urging a reevaluation of the Sterling Ladies’ impact on the era and the sport.