Northumberland Day football celebration to recreate historical match.

This Sunday Cramlington United Football Club Ladies team are playing the Bedlington Belles in a very special charity match.

 

The teams are recreating a historical game from 1918 which featured local football heroine ‘Wor Bella’.

 

Between 1914 to 1918 WWI Munitionettes not only selflessly served the war, they also played football to raise money for charity.

 

Hundreds of Munitionette teams were formed nationally, including dozens in the North East. As tens of thousands of people attended the matches female football superstars were born, including Blyth Spartan’s Ladies’ striker Bella Reay.

 

Netting 133 goals in 30 matches, Wor Bella was the Alan Shearer of her day!

 

Cramlington Town Mayor Loraine De Simone is tossing the coin at the 1.30 kick-off. She said “This is going to be a very special match – it pays tribute to the wonderful local women who worked so hard during the First World War and were determined football players too. I’m honoured to help start the match. I hope lots of Cramlington and Blyth residents come along and help raise funds for charity as well as enjoying the game.”

 

Dave Malone, Cramlington United FC Chairman, explained the charity aspect of the game: “The match is also being used as a fundraiser for what will be our third publicly placed defibrillator in Cramlington. The next defibrillator will be going on the outside of the main building at Alexandra Park where it will be available 24/7 for all to use in an emergency.

 

“I would also like to thank Blyth Battery who have provided replica strips for the teams to wear and a replica cup.”

 

The match kicks off at 1:30pm on Sunday May 29^th in Alexandra Park.