Prescot-born Sylvia Gore made history in 1972 when she scored the first goal for the newly formed England Women’s football team in their first ever match, which was played against Scotland.
More than 50 years later the trailblazing team have been presented with their England Caps by the Football Association during a special event at Wembley Stadium.
Sylvia sadly passed away in 2016 but was represented on the day by Kyle Gore who accepted the cap on behalf of the Gore family.
The event was hosted by former Lioness Jill Scott and there were video messages from the team’s current captain Leah Williamson and Manager Serina Weigman acknowledging the team’s significant contribution to women’s football.
Sylvia was born in Prescot and demonstrated incredible footballing talent at a time when girls were not permitted to play on FA pitches. Despite these challenges she went on play all over the world.
When Gore’s playing career was over, she went on to manage the Welsh women’s national team from 1982 to 1989. She was a member of the FA Women’s Committee for 20 years, became the first female director at the Liverpool County Football Association and in the 2000 New Year’s Honours list was made an MBE for services to girls’ and women’s football.
Kyle Gore, Sylvia’s nephew said: ”It was an amazing experience to be at an event to celebrate Sylvia’s achievements, along with the 1972 England Team and over one hundred players from the past. The atmosphere was electric, and the family and I are so proud, and sad in equal amounts. Proud that Sylvia’s efforts are finally being recognised and sad that she is not here to see it happen and feel the warmth and energy from the fans.”
Earlier this year Knowsley Council in partnership with Volair announced a brand new schoolgirls football tournament, The Sylvia Gore Cup in her honour.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council said: “Sylvia Gore is a local legend and it’s fantastic to see that her talent and contribution to women’s football has been acknowledged by the FA along with her team mates. The last year has been an incredible one for women’s football, and a new generation has been inspired by the success of the Lionesses in the summer. As a former football development officer at Knowsley Council I’m sure Sylvia would be pleased that we have launched a new football competition for the borough’s schoolgirls in her honour.”
