Derby County F.C. Women

History

The club originated from an idea by Sheila Rollinson and Jess Reid, who were both playing for the Coventry-based women's side Holbrooks Athletic. Rollinson had recently moved to the Derby area and Reid lived in Burton, so they decided to form a more locally based team.

Adverts for players were placed in the Burton Mail and the Derby Evening Telegraph, and more replies came from the Burton area, leading to the creation of Burton Wanderers. The club's first season was 1978–9 in the Midland League (which later became the West Midlands League), with matches played at Shobnall Fields in Burton, Phil Rollinson as manager, and Bob Reid as club secretary. Training took place at Bitham School sports hall.

After one season the club moved to the Nottingham League (later the East Midlands League) because the standard of football was higher. At that time no national women's league existed, and the side regularly played teams such as Doncaster Belles, which contained most of the England team. Junior leagues were absent, and girls were not allowed to play in boys' teams, so 11–13-year-olds often played alongside adults.

Following the demise of another local side, Derby Rangers, several experienced players joined, and in 1985 the club secured its first sponsorship deal with the Beacon Hotel, changing its name to Beacon Wanderers. Dave Elks managed the club for a lengthy period before handing over to Malcolm Aldridge. As the balance of players shifted toward the Derby area, matches and training moved to Derby, first at Leesbrook school and later to Derby City Council's Parkers Piece ground.

In 1990, John Jarman started the Community Department at Derby County Football Club and held discussions with Beacon Wanderers' management, leading to the formation of Derby County Ladies FC. The club initially consisted of a single open-age team, but the association with Derby County quickly extended it to a reserve and third team. The first manager of the newly formed DCLFC was Neil Crofts.