A new exhibition exploring the rich history of Hull's women's football has been unveiled on Wednesday, August 28.
The Lionesses of Hull exhibition in the Streetlife Museum explores the life of Carol Thomas and Flo Bilton - two pioneers for the sport.
Along with the exhibition, which includes boots, programs, and awards, a film has been commissioned. The film includes interviews across generations of grassroots women footballers, exploring how they got into playing the game.
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Carol Thomas became the first women's international player to reach 50 caps. Throughout her 43-year club career, of which she played for England from 1974-85, she captained the Lionesses nine times. In addition to being inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in late 2021, Carol was given freedom in the city in 2023.
The exhibition also details Flo Bilton - who co-founded the Women's Football League in 1969. Flo began her involvement in the sport in 1963 when she set up the Reckitt & Colman team which Carol played for early on in her career.
Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure said: “Hull has a strong connection to women’s football and I’m delighted this exhibition showcases two of the city’s greatest talents. I hope it helps to inspire the next generation of local female footballers.”
Former Lioness Captain, Carol Thomas said, “Hull has a long, proud but often forgotten rich history of sporting influence and success, not just at local and national level, but also on the international stage across many sports.
“Its influence on the world of football cannot be understated as it was a Hullensian, Ebeneezer Cobb Morley, who first drafted the rules of Association Football in 1863. In the 1960’s Hull’s very own Flo Bilton set up the Hull Women's Football League and Hull has produced a number of Lionesses over their 50-year history such as Gail Boreman and more recently Jess Park.
“I am honoured and humbled that my city, through the team at Hull Museums and Gallery, has once again chosen to highlight my own achievements and contribution to women’s football across the world in their upcoming “LIONESSES OF HULL” exhibition.
“It promises to be exciting, interesting and informative, with displays of Lionesses memorabilia from yesteryear and interactive programmes.”
The exhibition will run until February 23, 2025 at the Streetlife Museum.
