Doncaster Belles:
Originally formed in 1969 as the Belle Vue Ladies by young women who were
selling draw tickets on the terraces at Doncaster Rovers. They started out by
playing local small-sided games but within a short period of time they found
they were venturing outside of Doncaster, where the Belle Vue part of the name
had no meaning. In 1971 they made their change of name and became Doncaster
Belles! After Championship success in the regional leagues (12 out of 13 in the
Notts League and 2 from 2 in the North East League) in addition to many
tournaments and Cup successes - the Belles became founder members of the
National League in the 1991/92 season - where they completed the League and F.A.
Cup double without conceding a game!
Two years ago we formalised a partnership link with
Doncaster Rovers which enabled us to play a number of our games at Belle Vue and
also to use the excellent training facilities at Cantley Park. For the past two
seasons we have been pleased to be use the same kit company that supply Rovers .
We have been working together with Rovers, Doncaster Lakers Rugby Club and
Doncaster Council on the development of a new community stadium to be used by
all three clubs. The new stadium is well advanced and is due to open in early
2007. This will provide a permanent base for us and we will be the first Premier
League club to have a regular opportunity to play matches in a brand new 16,000
seater community stadium.
The Club has also secured positive links with High Melton College to develop
an academy for girls in the 16-19 age group. This offers academic studies as
well as football training and is intended to produce future qualified coaches to
serve the local community and help produce future generations of ‘Belles’ - but
more importantly, it will allow greater access to football for girls in
Doncaster!
Overall the club continues to grow, keeping pace with the significant growth in
the women’s football and maintaining our position as one of the major forces in
the game.