Talk by Fiona Skillen: History of Rutherglen Ladies FC

On Thursday 14th. November 2024, Professor Fiona Skillen of Glasgow Caledonian University gave a talk in Rutherglen Library to members of Rutherglen Heritage Society and guests on the history of Rutherglen Ladies FC.

An appreciative audience of 17, comprising Heritage Society members and guests along with members of Rutherglen's Peoples Past Peoples Future group, enjoyed Fiona's informative and entertaining talk on the history of Rutherglen Ladies FC who were pioneers of the women's game in the 1920s and 1930s.

Above, Fiona begins the story of Rutherglen Ladies FC from their foundation by manager J. H. Kelly in the 1920s.

Photo Carrick McDonald

Fiona began by describing the formative years of womens' football in Scotland from the earliest records in the 1600s, through the turbulent years of World War I when women formed works teams in factories, before going on to describe the foundation of Rutherglen Ladies FC in the 1920s under their charismatic manager J. H. Kelly.

Above, an early photo of Rutherglen Ladies FC from around the time of their foundation in 1921.

Image courtesy of Fiona Skillen

Fiona listed the teams Rutherglen Ladies played against, along with some of their star players like the remarkably talented Sadie Smith who earned comparison to Alan Morton, a contemporary star of the mens' game. She described the team's trips to Ireland which although successful on the pitch, led to J. H. Kelly's bankruptcy.

Also talked about were the many hurdles, prejudices and the hostility which Rutherglen Ladies FC experienced but successfully overcame.

We are very grateful to Fiona for coming to Rutherglen to give us this excellent talk.

Carrick McDonald

© 2024 by Rutherglen Heritage Society.

Further information:

Sadie Smith documentary by Purple TV, trailer click here

Rutherglen Ladies FC - Learning Through Football, SFA website click here