It was Flo, originally from Beverley Road, Hull, who helped form the Hull Women's Football Association in 1968 and the English Women's FA a year later.

She became the national development officer, an England selector, and took the national team to many countries around the world.

Yet her involvement in women's football came about by sheer accident - and at the age of 42.

She worked for Hull company Reckitt and Colman, who wanted a team of women employees for a special charity match in 1963.

Flo, a keen netball and hockey player, took up the mantle, formed the team, played as a goalkeeper and began the emergence of women's football which now contains around 5,000 teams nationwide.

She also formed the Hull City women's team, twice brought the England team to Boothferry Park and helped Hull's Carol McCune and Gail Borman become England internationals.

In 1977 England beat Switzerland 9-1 and in 1979 drew 2-2 with Denmark at Boothferry Park.

East Riding County FA secretary Dennis Johnson paid tribute to Flo, who he describes as the main inspiration behind the women's game.

"She really was the pioneer, her contribution to the women's game was absolutely immense," says Dennis.

"Flo did a tremendous job in forming leagues and provided the base for girls football which is still going strong, particularly in Hull and the East Riding."

East Riding official Mike Rawding was manager of the England team when they drew with Denmark and remembers Flo as the driving force.

"Flo was definitely in charge of the whole England women's operation and she did it so well it ran like clockwork.

"She was totally dedicated to the women's game."

Flo had been seriously ill and in much pain for quite some time.

Donations were made at her funeral to the Parkinson Society.


Article from the Hull Daily Mail - 29 July 2004