The Belles have joined forces with Leeds United Women to pay tribute to the late Julie Chipchase with an annual friendly match between the two sides.
The first Julie Chipchase Memorial Match will take place on Sunday August 8 at the Global Stadium, in Tadcaster, with Leeds and the Belles taking turns in hosting the game.
Belles founder and president Sheila Edmunds said: “This is a fantastic way to pay tribute to Chippy, a dear friend of everyone at the Belles, and remember the remarkable legacy she leaves behind.
“Her impact on the Belles and women’s football in general was huge, as we saw with the comments when she passed away. It is particularly pleasing that supporters will now be able to attend the game and pay their own tribute to such a popular player, coach and manager.”
Chippy played and managed the Belles, before taking over Leeds whom she led to their first ever Women’s FA Cup final.
Leeds United Women’s general manager Julie Lewis added: “We’re playing the game in order to honour a colleague, a friend, and a true inspiration to football as a whole, not just within the women’s game.
“Our friend Julie touched all aspects of the game and she was a coach educator. It wasn’t just about the women’s game it was about football as a whole for her.
“The two teams she spent most of her time at were the Belles and with us, so it seemed right to honour the memory with the two teams she loved the most.
“It will now be a yearly event, switching between home and away, with a trophy for the winners in Julie’s memory.
“All proceeds made from the game will go to a charity of the family’s choosing, so we would love to see as many people come along and support as possible.”
Date: Sunday August 8
Kick-off: 2pm
Location: Global Stadium, Ings Lane, Tadcaster, LS24 9AY.
Tickets: Adults £5, U16s FREE. Pay on the day only