Gore to the fore

The name Slyvia Gore may not be immediately recognisable but the former England international holds a special place in the history of women's football in this country, and indeed the world.

It was Gore who, back in 1972, scored the first ever goal in women's international football, a feat recognised with a prestigious UEFA award for her services to European football.

At last night's UEFA Football Gala in Monaco, Gore (and six others) was given a Magnificent 7 award for "putting a lifetime and endeavour and enthusiasm into the game without the slightest ulterior motive".

Labelled the "Dennis Law of women's football", Gore, now 56, scored over 20 times in 10 England appearances, including the opening goal in England's 3-2 win over Scotland, and managed a record 134 goals in one domestic season. After retiring from the game through injury, Gore coached the Welsh national team for seven years before becoming a voluntary football development officer in Liverpool and Preston. Gore has also been asked by The FA to be on the project team charged with establishing a professional women's league in three years. Earlier in the year, Gore was awarded the MBE.

"I never dreamt of anything like this," said Gore last night. "It's great that women's football has been included in these awards. This was one of the best days of my life."