Sylvia Gore MBE – A Players’ Tribute

I first met Sylvia at school when I was five years old. My school was also her old school and she came in to do some football coaching. She was based at Prescot Leisure Centre and she took me under her wing and I would go and play football there most nights.

She had a massive impact on me. It was Sylvia that got me involved in school football, the Merseyside School games, she would even let me watch Knowsley Ladies train and join in. She gave me the direction and belief that I was good enough. Back then girls playing football was not as common place and it was her support and guidance that was the main reason for any success I have had.

Sylvia wanted me to join Liverpool Ladies but she knew how strongly I felt about the opportunity to play for the club I had supported all my life and so when I signed for Everton she understood my decision and continued to support me.

Having coached me in both my primary and secondary schools she always went above and beyond to support me and the local girls playing football. I have had messages from people I went to school with who don’t even play football anymore who still remember her coaching and how enthusiastic she was. Once in a school tournament she had ‘Simply the Best’ played over the school tannoy for us and I always think of her when I hear that song. She told us to believe that we were the best in every minute of the game.

As I grew older Sylvia was still there supporting me, from Centre of Excellence introduction at Tranmere Rovers to winning Knowsley Sports personality of the year alongside Steven Gerrard. I knew that she definitely had something to do with that decision but she was always so proud of myself and others from our area.

I would often see her at games and specifically remember seeing her a little while after my England debut, she told me that she always knew that I would make it and that she was very proud of me. She was such a warm and caring person and a true sportswoman who loved the game and loved helping players develop.

She has been pivotal in the women’s game and drove it forward, never stopping in her determination to push for equality, recognition and the highest of standards.

I know that there are many like me who are indebted to her for her guidance and support over the course of their careers. They, like me, will be forever grateful for the time and effort she put into helping us and women’s football succeed.

Although football is a team game sometimes individuals can have a massive impact on the sport, Sylvia was definitely one of those individuals. She was a fiercely determined woman with a heart of gold and the game has lost an amazing sportswoman and person.

We will never forget you and all that you did for us and we truly thank you for giving us the belief to follow our football dream. 

(Images: FA via Getty Images & Nation Football Museum)

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England v France
Fri, 21 Oct 2016
8:00pm, Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster

Prices
Adults £7.50
Children/Conc £3.50
Family of 4 £15 (2 adults + 2 children)

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