Sylvia Gore MBE stamped her name into the history books in 1972, when as a young lass she scored the first ever England women’s goal, in a 3-2 friendly win in Greenock, against Scotland.
Sylvia told the BBC in 2013: “We were losing 2-0 at the time and to run halfway down the pitch to score the first goal was tremendous.
“I was delighted, I was jumping in the air and everyone was diving on me.”
But she was so much more than simply a pioneering player, though we’re sure she’d like us to remember her skills and energy on the field for Manchester Corinthians (a team she toured the world with) and later Women’s FA Cup-winning Fodens, in her free-scoring, midfield days (134 goals in a season, anyone?!).
She took that enthusiasm for the game into administration and making things happen for future generations. Sylvia was a long time member of FA and FAWPL Committees and National Division Representative, as well working for decades within the Liverpool County FA area. She even slotted in a short stint coaching Wales in the mid ’80s.
Her knowledge and passion were a joy, as well as a force to be reckoned with and she was ever approachable, always chatty (great stories) and generous with praise.
As ‘On the Ball’ magazine and in conjunction with The Times newspaper, we presented Sylvia with A ‘Special Achievement Award’ at the inaugural FA Women’s Awards in 1999 and we reported it thus:
THE TIMES/ON THE BALL SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD at The FA Women’s Awards in 1999
Sylvia Gore, Liverpool County Coaching Representative
On the Ball was flooded with nominations for this award but it was clear from early on that there was one name that stood out head and shoulders above everyone’s, that of Gore. For 46 years Sylvia has been involved in women’s football. She started her involvement as a player where she made history by scoring the first ever women’s England international goal against Scotland in 1972, continued by managing Wales and now tirelessly devotes herself to a number of projects developing girls and women’s football on a regional and national level. Her work in Merseyside recently drew this comment from Knowsley Councillor Keight MBE: “Her enthusiasm and commitment to football is on a par with the great Bill Shankley.”
That was 17 years ago and her efforts never wavered. She was inducted ino the National Football Hall of Fame in 2014 (above), saying beforehand: “I am delighted to be entered into the Hall of Fame. I am so excited and thank the panel for choosing me and in particular Sir Bobby Charlton. I’m honoured and look forward to the evening.”
She loved the attention and she deserved it. Known as the ‘Denis Law’ of women’s football in her time, she was made an ambassador by Manchester City Women earlier this year. She had cross Manchester appeal. In fact, this lovely lady was liked by all, except maybe by defenders 30-40 years ago.
Sylvia Gore MBE (1944-2016) Thank you and Rest in Peace.
