Football communities from across the county have come together to explore the birth of women’s football off the back of the Lionesses' Euro win.

An event to celebrate and explore the birth of Dick, Kerr Ladies football team took place on Wednesday, August 3, at the Invincibles Lounge at Preston North End.

Attending the event, which was held in the Invincibles’ Lounge, were Steven Bolton, sponsors Avanti, the team from Community Rail Lancashire, Veterans from Preston North End, a group from Blackburn Remembers Rovers, who travelled to the event via train and bus, from Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, veterans from Burnley and representatives Accrington FC, plus a number of members of the DRN Project SEARCH. 

The Dick, Kerr Ladies football team was formed during WW1 to boost morale amongst women whose husbands were fighting on the front line.

Dick, Kerr & Co Ltd was a munitions factory that the women worked in and together they fought against the ban on women playing on the Football Association’s pitches. 

One of the inspirational players was Lizzy Ashcroft from St Helen’s, lifelong friends with women’s football legend and scorer of 900 career goals Lily Parr.

Grandson to Lizzy Ashcroft, Steve Bolton said: “This event has been very emotional for me. The dance performance was very aggressive and perfectly depicted the struggles the Dick, Kerr ladies fought through on their football journey. 

 “The reaction to the film was beyond my wildest dreams and for the premier being held in Preston the home of women’s football was incredible. The film shows the strength of my grandma and her friends, but also shows the beauty of the city of Preston. 

 “This whole week has felt like a dream, from being at Wembley on Sunday cheering on the Lionesses, to this event, it’s all just incredible timing and has been amazing to experience.”