Belles’ president Sheila Edmunds has said the upcoming 2019/20 season is reminiscent of the early years of Doncaster Belles despite being unfamiliar territory for a team who have competed in the top tiers for most of their 50-year history.
“The league is a bit of an unknown territory at this present time, but historically we started life in the Sheffield league,” Sheila said.
“There weren’t enough teams for that league to continue so we ended up in the Nottingham league. We travelled all around the Nottingham and Derby areas so we’re familiar with that – so it’s a little bit like going back in time.”
A second change that will echo the club returning to its roots is the club colours which will revert to the red and white that the Belles first wore when they formed in 1969.
“When we started in 1969 and we were at Belle Vue, our first kit was white shirt, red socks, red shorts – so in many ways there is that acknowledgement there and it’s great that we’re working with Club Doncaster on that,” Sheila added.
“My passion has always been the yellow and blue because there’s history behind that but as long as we have both colours in our home and away kit then I’m happy with that.”
Belles chief executive Russ Green added: “Women’s teams are joining with men’s teams more and more, you see it with Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal – so we feel, with the Belles joining Club Doncaster, we should wear the club colours and be proud of it while still recognising the heritage of the Belles.
“The blue and yellow will be predominant in our training kit, away kit and we’ll never forget that because that’s the history of the club. There is a detail on the new kit which remembers the past colours and the 50 years – that was agreed with Shelia. The supporters will be able to see that at the launch night. The detail is a nice touch and will always be there.”